Bishops discuss cohabitation of young couples at Vatican meeting on marriage and family

Bishops at a Vatican meeting focused on October 9 discussions on how the Church can support young couples who choose to live together instead of marrying. The weeklong gathering, which runs from October 7 to 14, brings together presidents of bishops' conferences and heads of Eastern Catholic churches to mark the 10th anniversary of Amoris Laetitia.

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, prefect of the Dicastery for Laity, Family, and Life, opened the session by noting a global decline in both civil and Church marriages. He stated that many parents are concerned because their children face loneliness, hesitate to make lasting commitments, or reject marriage entirely.

During a morning plenary session, Auxiliary Bishop Stephen Eustace Victor Fernandes of Bombay spoke on how the Church can accompany couples living together outside of marriage. Bishop Fernandes urged bishops to avoid being indifferent or condemnatory, suggesting that listening to young people helps leaders understand if they are rejecting marriage or simply fearing the challenges of lifelong commitment.