Pope discusses the Synod, says media covered it like sports

From Vatican Radio: 

Following a series of reflections concentrating on the Church, Pope Francis at his weekly General Audience in St Peter’s Square on Wednesday opened a new Chapter, a weekly catechesis focusing on the Family.

He began this new cycle by recalling the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family which took place in October.

The Holy Father told the thousands of faithful present that he wanted to share with them what took place and what the Synod has produced.

He continued saying, that during this time there was much media attention on the work being done at the Synod and for that the Pope expressed his thanks. But, Pope Francis added,  often the vision of the media was a bit ‘in the style of sports or political coverage,: “they often spoke of two teams, pro and con, conservatives and liberals, and so on.”

The Pope explained that, first of all he asked the Synod Fathers to speak frankly and courageously and to listen with humility.

He also stressed there was no prior censorship and that everyone had the chance to say what was in his heart.

The meeting, said the Holy Father began with a very frank discussion of the serious pastoral challenges affecting the Family, in the light of the fundamental truths about the sacrament of Matrimony – its indissolubility, unity, fidelity and openness to life. 

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