The key themes and topics that will be discussed include:

- The role of technology in the Family

- The impact of conflict on families and children

- Building a more sustainable approach to the economy, work and the environment

- Faith and family

- Women’s leadership roles, globally and locally

- The role of education in raising families out of poverty

The overarching theme for WMOF2018 in Dublin, Ireland, is "The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World" . This was chosen by Pope Francis from the opening words of The Joy of Love (Amoris Laetitia).

The role of technology in the family

Pope Francis has a keen interest in technology, commenting regularly on social media. On the Pope joining Instagram, Mark Zuckerberg welcomed him, commenting: “No matter what faith you practice, we can all be inspired by Pope Francis’s humility and compassion. I’m looking forward to following the Pope -- and watching him continue sharing his message of mercy, equality and justice with the world”

In paragraph 275 of Amoris Laetitia, Pope Francis explained that "In our own day, dominated by stress and rapid technological advances, one of the most important tasks of families is to provide an education in hope".

The impact of conflict on families and children

Conflict is present at all levels of our lives, from global events to national disputes, right through to local communities and family circles. Pope Francis has acknowledged that there is no perfect family, that we encounter discord even with those we love most dearly.

"There is no family that does not know how selfishness, discord, tension and conflict violently attack and at times mortal¬ly wound its own communion." (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 106)

“Forced migration of families, resulting from situations of war, persecution, poverty and injustice, and marked by the vicissitudes of a journey that often puts lives at risk, traumatises people and destabilises families” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 46).

Building a more sustainable approach to the economy, work and the environment

During WMOF2018 pilgrims are being into a conversation about caring for 'Our Common Home'. Through prayer, discussion and action Pope Francis is encouraging everyone to think more deeply about how we care for our beautiful world, in our work and in our life.

“In the family too, we can rethink our habits of consumption and join in caring for the environment as our common home” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 277)

Faith & Family

The Pope has suggested that families are a privileged place where faith can be lived, celebrated, learnt and passed on from generation to generation. Several workshops and activities will explore the joys and challenges of living faith within families today, as well as many topics that can be of support for families trying to live faith within their homes.

“Love is experienced and nurtured in the daily life of couples and their children” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 90).

“The family lives its spirituality precisely by being at one and the same time a domestic church and a vital cell for transforming the world” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 324)

Women’s leadership roles, globally and locally

“The grandeur of women includes all the rights derived from their inalienable human dignity but also from their feminine genius, which is essential to society.” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 173)

“There are many, many women who, in the roles they perform daily, with dedication and integrity, at times with heroic courage, have made and do make the most of their accomplishments, their valuable traits in the most varied, specific and specialized skills, joined with the real experience of being mothers and formators.” (Pope Francis, 9 June 2017)

The role of education in raising families out of poverty

The educational mission of families will be explored during the WMOF2018 Pastoral Congress, where the role and rights of parents in education will be discussed, as well as the relationship between education and the welfare of the families, economy, poverty and homelessness, among other topics.

“A poor person, once removed from a secure family environment, is doubly vulnerable to abandonment and possible harm.” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 242)

“The task of education is to make us sense that the world and society are also our home; it trains us how to live together in this greater home.” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 276)

“Education of children is a ‘most serious duty’ and at the same time a ‘primary right’ of parents.” (Pope Francis, Amoris Laetitia 84)

More details and resources on events at the World Meeting of Familes can be found on the official website here

- Digital Desk