Opening the historic meeting of religious leaders gathered at the Vatican to discuss the importance of marriage, Pope Francis said, "For most of us, the family provides the principal place where we can aspire to greatness as we strive to realize our full capacity for virtue and charity."
"I pray that your colloquium will be an inspiration to all who seek to support and strengthen the union of man and woman in marriage as a unique, natural, fundamental and beautiful good for persons, communities, and whole societies," Pope Francis said.