Theology Professors Present at Amoris Laetitia Conference in Rome

Two University of San Diego Theology professors were among just 40 individuals from around the world to present at the Amoris Laetitia Conference, an event held last month in Vatican City to commemorate the fifth anniversary of the publication penned by Pope Francis addressing the pastoral care of families. 

Associate Professor Emily Reimer-Barry, PhD, and Adjunct Instructor Aaron Bianco were both chosen to present out of more than 600 proposals submitted to the Vatican. Reimer-Barry’s presentation centered on women and the church, and Bianco’s presentation was titled,  “Amoris Laetitia and the LGBT people.” 

Amoris Laetitia (The Joy of Love) was Pope Francis’ landmark 2016 document related to marriage and family life. The publication called for greater integration of divorced, remarried and LGBTQ+ Catholics into the church. 

“There is a growing awareness among theologians that families come in all shapes and sizes, and that the church can do more to embrace all families and offer concrete support,” says Reimer-Barry. “The conference was a wonderful learning experience. I especially appreciated the opportunity to dialogue with colleagues from other countries. I found my conversation partners at the conference to be deeply committed and faithful people, eager to listen to the challenges faced by families around the world.” 

“The conference included theologians and academics from all over the world, so it was interesting to hear the different perspectives from so many places,” adds Bianco. 

Included in their experience was the unique opportunity to meet Pope Francis, who addressed the group in the Sala Clementina, a hall of the Apostolic Palace near St. Peter’s Basilica. 

“He immediately brought up [San Diego] Bishop [Robert Walter] McElroy and we spoke of our admiration for the bishop,” recalls Bianco. “I told the Holy Father I also work with LGBT Catholics around the country and work within the Church so that all LGBT and young adults feel welcomed. He encouraged me to continue to do that work. He said, ‘The Church needs people like me, so that all will feel welcomed’.”

Reimer-Barry gifted Pope Francis with a collection of art and letters from elementary school students at St. Rose of Lima Catholic School in Chula Vista. The children were responding to a prompt that asked them, “What does family life mean to you and how is God a part of your family?” She noted that when talking about family life, it’s important to include the voices of children.  

“He smiled as he looked at the children's artwork and hand written letters, thanked me, and then told me to send his greetings to Bishop McElroy,” Reimer-Barry recalls. “It was a very positive and uplifting encounter, and I am grateful to have had the opportunity to speak to him.”

During his address to participants, Pope Francis, in referencing Amoris Laetitia, said that Catholics need to “move forward,” a message Reimer-Barry finds reassuring. 

“This involves some risk, but it is part of what it means to do theology today,” she says. “He sees the value in the Church's traditions but is also deeply concerned about the inclusion of voices previously marginalized. He wants all of us to focus on listening.” 

Families are going through crisis situations and are wounded, Pope Francis acknowledged. He encouraged attendees to find a “new creativity” in their approach to these challenging circumstances. 

“The Church is on a journey and moving forward is the only option,” says Bianco.

— Matthew Piechalak