On Wednesday, August 17, 2016, the Vatican released a motu proprio by Pope Francis which officially establishes the new dicastery on the Laity, Family, and Life.
“For many centuries, the Church, a caring mother, has had care and respect for the laity, the family, and life, manifesting the love of the merciful Savior for humanity. Keeping in mind this, as Pastor of the Lord’s flock we are doing everything possible so that the riches of Jesus Christ will overflow abundantly on the faithful.
In order to carry it out, we are providing solicitly that the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia be updated to the situations of our times and be adapted to the needs of the universal Church. Specifically, Our thoughts turn to the laity, the family, and life, to whom we wish to offer support and help, because they are active witness to the Gospel in our time and an expression of the goodness of the Redeemer.
Therefore, in Our Apostolic authority, having carefully valued every detail, we establish the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life that will be ruled by ad hoc Statutes. Competencies and functions of the Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Pontifical Council for the Family will be transferred to this new Dicastery, with effect September 1st, upon definitive cessation of the above mentioned Pontifical Councils.
We desire that what established has value now and for the future, unless otherwise provided for.”
Given in Rome, Saint Peter, sealed by the Fisherman’s ring, on August 15, 2016 on the solemnity of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Jubilee of Mercy, IVth year of Our Pontificate.
Francis
