"Lots of the laws which either have already come into force or are being debated" arouse "preoccupation from the moral point of view", and "the Catholic community, under your guide, must give a clear and Unitarian account on those questions", added the Pope yesterday evening, addressing the United States bishops. "However, opening up our minds and hearts gradually to the moral truth is even more important"; in that field, "the role of lay believers is crucial: they should act as the ‘yeast’ of society". According to Benedict XVI, the "situation of the family" is a reason for "serious preoccupation". By mentioning the "essential contribution which a sound family life pays to peace among countries and inside them", the Pope was disconcerted for "the quick decline of the family as the basic element of the Church and society". According to the Pope, the increase in unfaithfulness and in the number of divorces, or the perception of marriage "as a simple agreement for living with another person" prevent "children from living in a safe environment, which they would need to grow up as human beings", and deny "society" the necessary columns "to keep cohesion and the moral core of the community". Therefore, here is the task of "proclaiming the issues of faith and reason with strength, which include the institution of marriage"; the message "is essentially an unconditioned acceptance of life and love without reservation".
