Fr. Luke Dysinger, OSB, MD: Using Amoris Laetitia in Defense of Life and NFP

Discussion of Pope Francis’ Apostolic Exhortation Amoris Laetitia has become increasingly heated in recent months in a Catholic culture that can only be described as increasingly polarized. This has led to a simplistic all-or-nothing approach regarding the Exhortation, focusing primarily on the very controversial issue of the reception of Holy Communion by those in irregular unions. In fact, the Exhortation contains sections that are very favorable to NFP and traditional Catholic sexual ethics: awareness of this may help promote a more positive and broad acceptance of Natural Family Planning by those who favor the use of Amoris Laetitia in evangelization and catechesis.