VATICAN - “Those who destroy the family, the fundamental tissue of human co-existence, fail to respect its identity and distort its duties and cause in society a profound wound and irreparable damage”: the Pope said in an address to the Plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family

Vatican City (Fides Service) - Addressing participants at the plenary assembly of the Pontifical Council for the Family on 20 November, Pope John Paul II said: “The family, founded on marriage, is a natural and irreplaceable institution and a fundamental element of the common good in every society. Those who destroy the family, the fundamental tissue of human co-existence, fail to respect its identity and distort its duties, cause in society a profound wound and irreparable damage”.
Quoting the apostolic exhortation “Familiaris consortio” which underlined "the mission of Christian married couples and families, thanks to the grace received in the sacrament" the Pope said: “This mission has lost nothing of its importance for today, indeed it has assumed characteristics of exceptional urgency”.
With regard to the Plenary theme - "The mission of mature and experienced couples towards engaged couples and young people" - the Pope stressed the need for “renewed commitment to support young families” the most exposed above all in the first years of marriage to difficulties, created by life in common or the birth of children. In this context it is good to see “pro family and pro life movements spreading in the world. Their dynamism, put at the service of those who have recently taken the path of matrimony, guarantees valid assistance to foster an opportune response to the riches of the vocation to which the Lord calls them” the Pope said.
Lastly the Pope mentioned the Church’s 5th World Meeting for Families to be held in 2006 in Valencia (Spagna), now being prepared, and he sent “warm greetings to the beloved land of Spain, which will have the honour of hosting this event”. (S.L.) (Agenzia Fides 22/11/2004 - Righe 21; Parole 283)