The Pope Video:  For families in crisis

In the Pope Video for March 2025 produced by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Pope Francis asks that we pray that “broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences”.

Commenting on the intention for this month, Pope Francis says: “Every family has its own problems, as well as its tremendous joys. Every member of the family is important because each person is unique. But these differences can also cause conflict and painful wounds. And the best medicine to heal the pain of a wounded family is forgiveness. Forgiveness means giving another chance. God does this with us all the time. God’s patience is infinite. He forgives us, lifts us up, gives us a new start. Forgiveness always renews the family, making it look forward with hope. Let us pray that broken families might discover the cure for their wounds through forgiveness, rediscovering each other’s gifts, even in their differences.

The International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, Father Cristóbal Fones, S.J., highlights several attitudes that can enhance a family’s daily life. He says “First of all, we need to accept everyone’s differences, The family unit is composed of different people who love and respect each other and try to learn from each other. Secondly, we must appreciate others and recognize their richness and gifts. Another important aspect is to ask for forgiveness and forgive when necessary. We take inspiration from the Lord’s humility and mercy as it can be difficult to forgive a family member who hurts us deeply. It is always good to keep in mind that Jesus has forgiven us first, as Pope Francis often reminds us.”