Vatican meeting examines why young people are reluctant to marry

Bishops from around the world are meeting at the Vatican to discuss why fewer young people are choosing to marry in the Catholic Church and how modern society views the connection between sexuality, procreation, and marriage. The international gathering, which began on October 7 and runs through October 14, marks the 10th anniversary of the document Amoris Laetitia.

During a presentation on Friday, Oct. 9, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe, president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, noted that the link between sexual activity and procreation is no longer widely accepted in Australia or elsewhere. He reported that many young people hold cultural assumptions about sexuality that differ from Church teaching. Costelloe stated that while these individuals may understand the Church's position, they find it difficult to embrace. He attributed this tension to the influence of social media, entertainment, peer culture, and online influencers.

Pope Leo XIV participated in the opening prayer for the weeklong meeting held in the Paul VI Hall.