Holy Father: The family is an untouchable sanctuary

A weekend report by Vatican Radio carried remarks from the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI. Benedict reaffirmed that the family is, "an untouchable sanctuary."

ROME, ITALY (Catholic Online) - Benedict's remarks were made during a reception for the Centesimus Annus Pro Pontifice Foundation. The foundation is a lay led, pontifical organization dedicated to the implementation of Catholic social teaching through lay business, academic, and professional leadership. Members of the organization attend the annual conferences in Rome.
During his speech to the organization's members, the Holy Father discussed the importance of the family.

Pope Benedict said, "in these 120 years of development of the social doctrine of the Church in the world, great changes have occurred." He continued, "The Second Vatican Council spoke of the family in terms of the domestic church, as the untouchable sanctuary." He affirmed that the family is the primary cell of society.

His remarks touched on the economy, at the forefront of most minds amid world protests and turmoil. "Even the economy," he said, "with its laws must always consider the interests and protection of this primary cell of society."

The Holy Father explained that conflict between couples and within families was being exacerbated by unemployment. He acknowledged the complexity of the situation. And while he also stated that it was not for the church to say how the current economic crisis should be addressed, he did say what was required was, "a new harmonious synthesis between family and work, to which the social doctrine of the Church can offer her viable contribution."

The Holy Father also added, that Christians have a duty to denounce evil, and to live according to the values that underpin human dignity, and that the faithful are to promote solidarity and the common good.

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