Catholic authorities address family and brotherhood at conference in Ecuador

In Quito, Ecuador, Catholic leaders gathered to discuss the world’s wounds and the potential for healing, with a focus on supporting families as a path forward. The International Eucharistic Congress, attended by leaders from over 50 countries, highlighted the importance of family and fraternity during the ongoing discussions until Sept. 15. Pope Francis emphasized the role of the family in creating a fairer world, stressing the need to come together rather than isolating oneself.

Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, vicar general for the Vatican, highlighted the necessity of unity, stating, “Today it is not possible to save ourselves on our own happy island and isolate. We need to walk together.” Former Ecuadoran vice president, Rosalía Arteaga, noted that family is essential for fraternity, emphasizing the importance of positive parent-child relationships in upholding societal values.

While Ecuador legalized same-sex marriage in 2019 and decriminalized abortion in cases of rape in 2022, there are ongoing calls to expand sexual and reproductive rights as activists consider the current measures insufficient and discriminatory. Monsignor Graziano Borgonovo, under-secretary of the Dicastery for Evangelization, highlighted the challenges facing families, citing crises linked to same-sex marriages and other non-traditional forms of cohabitation, emphasizing the family as the foundational unit of society.

Jesuit priest Iván Lucero suggested that the Catholic Church explore new ways to support same-sex marriages and non-traditional families, recognizing the increasing number of such couples and Pope Francis’ inclusive approach. Lucero also stressed the importance of preserving and not undermining the traditional family structure amidst evolving societal norms.