Marriage now tends to be viewed as a form of mere emotional satisfaction that can be constructed in any way or modified at will. But the indispensible contribution of marriage to society transcends the feelings and momentary needs of the couple.

I will be praying with my best wishes that the Orthodox move ahead because they are brothers and their bishops are bishops like us.

Christians know how to face difficulties, trials and defeat with serenity and hope in the Lord.

The Holy Spirit, in the variety of his gifts, unites us and enables us to contribute to the building up of the Church in holiness. In this great work, each of us has a part to play; each of us, as a "living stone", is needed for the growth and the beauty of God's holy temple. Let us ask the Lord to help us to take an ever more active part in the Church's life and mission, guided by the Holy Spirit and with Jesus as our cornerstone.

Mercy is the true power that can save humanity and the world from sin and evil.

The key phrase used by the synod, which I'll take up again, is 'integrate' in the life of the Church the wounded families, remarried families, etc. But of this one mustn't forget the children in the middle. They are the first victims, both in the wounds, and in the conditions of poverty, of work.

REJECT ALL FORMS OF CORRUPTION THAT DIVERT RESOURCES FROM THE POOR