Catholic Church rolls out new family pastoral initiatives in Italy

The Diocese of Locri‑Gerace held a meeting titled “Famiglia di Famiglie” on 5 July 2026, launching a pastoral program for families that will begin in September. The plan is built on three pillars – listening to the local context, creating stable relationships, and providing continuous accompaniment – and involves parish coordinators, clergy, lay couples, movements, associations and professionals. It is designed to work alongside catechesis, Caritas, youth work and vocations to offer an integrated family ministry.

Ahead of an October 7‑14 2026 Vatican gathering, the Dicastery for the Laity, Family and Life released a thematic preparatory document for the meeting called by Pope Leo XIV with leaders of the Eastern Catholic Churches and presidents of episcopal conferences. The document, issued in June 2026, emphasizes listening to families, sharing their experiences, and discerning next steps for evangelising families in light of Amoris laetitia.