Pope issues motu proprio on new Laity, Family, and Life dicastery

Bishop Farrell

The Vatican released a motu proprio by Pope Francis today, officially establishing the new dicastery on the Laity, Family, and Life.

"For many centuries, the Church, a caring mother, has had care and respect for the laity, the family, and life, manifesting the love of the merciful Saviour for humanity," reads the new document, which was signed on August 15.

"Our thoughts turn to the laity, the family, and life, to whom we wish to offer support and help, because they are active witness to the Gospel in our time and an expression of the goodness of the Redeemer."

The new Vatican department will take on the duties of the current Pontifical Council for the Laity and the Pontifical Council for the Family on 1st September. At that point, the Pontifical Council will cease.

Bishop Kevin Joseph Farrell, who until now has served as the bishop of Dallas, Texas, has been appointed as the first prefect of the new dicastery. He is the brother of Bishop Brian Farrell, secretary for the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Bishop Farrell said: "I am extremely humbled that our Holy Father Pope Francis has selected me to lead this newly formed dicastery. I look forward to being part of the important work of the universal Church in the promotion of the laity and the apostolate of the laity and for the pastoral care of the family in accordance with the Pope's recent apostolic exhortation, Amoris Laetitia, the Joy of Love, and the support of human life.

"While I am grateful for the Holy Father's confidence in me, I meet this news with mixed emotions.

"Dallas has been my home for 10 years and, from the beginning, I quickly grew to love the beautiful people and culture here. The strong faith, kindness and generosity of the people in the Diocese of Dallas surpassed all of my expectations. My brother priests were among the first to welcome me and I am extremely grateful for their collaboration, friendship, wise counsel and prayers. A bishop can get nothing of significance done in a diocese without the hard work and cooperation of the pastors, priests, diocesan staff and people. Together, I believe we have accomplished many goals, and put others in motion, that will continue to build up the Catholic Church in North Texas.

"I cannot express enough my gratitude for all that the priests, staff and people have done and continue to do for me and the Diocese of Dallas. I know our Holy Father is working, as we speak, to find the right man to serve as the new chief shepherd. I am confident that, upon my departure, Bishop Greg Kelly will handle the needs of the diocese in the interim. Please pray for him. I also ask that you please pray for me as I begin this next unexpected chapter of my priesthood. May God continue to bless the Diocese of Dallas."

Source: Vatican Radio