Vatican City, Oct 5, 2014 / 08:48 am (CNA/EWTN News).- The work of the Synod on the Family is more than a discussion of ideals or a show of intelligence, but a means of realizing the Lord's plan through the pastoral care of the family, said Pope Francis.

He reflected on this topic during his homily for Mass in Saint Peter's Basilica to inaugurate the Extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization, which runs from Oct. 5-19.