Bishop of Ponta Grossa represents Brazil in meeting with the Pope in Vatican
Dom Bruno Versari joins Brazilian delegation in meeting starting on Wednesday (7) discussing family challenges and the ten years of Amoris Laetitia
The bishop of Ponta Grossa, Dom Bruno Elizeu Versari, is part of the Brazilian delegation to the meeting on families convened by Pope Leo XIV, which begins on Wednesday (7), in the Vatican. The program runs until October 14 and brings together 187 participants from five continents to discuss the follow-up of families by the Catholic Church. The participation of the pontiff is scheduled at the opening.
Dom Bruno also chairs the Episcopal Commission for Life and Family of the National Conference of Bishops of Brazil (CNBB). In addition to him, the country is represented by Cardinal Jaime Spengler, Archbishop of Porto Alegre and President of the CNBB, and Alisson and Solange Schila, national coordinator of Pastoral Familiar.
Debates on the reality of families
The meeting, held in the Paul VI Hall, is based on the tenth anniversary of the Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia, a document of Pope Francis on love in the family. Leo XIV announced the convocation in March of this year, proposing a reflection on the changes that affect homes and the experiences developed in Catholic communities.
The preparation of young people for marriage, the first years of conjugal life and the support of families in complex situations are among the subjects foreseen. The thematic journey also addresses the current reality of families and their participation in the Church’s mission. The proposal is to listen to concrete experiences and evaluate ways to strengthen pastoral work in different regions of the world.
The meeting will be held in groups
According to the Life and Family Portal, official channel of the CNBB commission, the activities will take place behind closed doors. The program provides for an initial retreat, followed by debates in groups and plenary meetings. Eleven couples or families, totaling 22 people, participate in the work alongside representatives of the Episcopal Conferences, the Eastern Catholic Churches and experts.
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The reports and discussions should support a synthesis report, which will be discussed on the last day and forwarded to the Pope. The material can support the accompaniment of families in Catholic communities.
Mass with Leo XIV is scheduled for closure
In accordance with the program published by the Dicastery for the Laity, the Family and Life, Leo XIV will preside at a Mass in the Square of São Pedro on October 14, at 10 am, at local time. The work of the meeting continues until the end of the afternoon of that day.
