Since its inception by Saint John Paul II in 1994, the World Meeting of Families has strengthened the sacred bonds of families across the globe.

Held every three years and sponsored by the Holy See’s Pontifical Council for the Family, the World Meeting of Families is the world’s largest Catholic gathering of families. Each World Meeting of Families has a theme that energizes and enlivens the event while adding great depth of meaning to our understanding of families.

 

Next World Meeting of Families to be held in Rome in 2022

Cardinal Kevin Farrell, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life, announces that the next World Meeting of Families will take place in Rome in 2022.
PAST WORLD MEETINGS OF FAMILIES WITH POPE FRANCIS 

• IX – Dublin Ireland 2018 (21-26 August)
  The Gospel of the Family: Joy for the World
  Read Pope Francis’ homily here
• VIII – Philadelphia 2015 (22-27 September)
  Love is our mission: the family fully alive.
  Read Pope Francis’ homily here

WORLD MEETINGS OF FAMILIES WITH POPE BENEDICT XVI

• VII – Milan 2012 (30 May – 3 June)
  Family, Work & Celebration.
  Read Pope Benedict’s homily here.
• VI – Mexico City 2009(13-18 January)
  The family: teacher of human and Christian values.
  Read Pope Benedict’s message here.
• V – Valencia 2006 (1-9 July)
  Handing on the Faith in the Family.
  Read Pope Benedict’s message here.

WORLD MEETINGS OF FAMILIES WITH POPE ST JOHN PAUL II

• IV – Manila 2003(22-26 January)
  The Christian family: good news for the third millennium.
  Read St. John Paul II address here
• III – Rome 2000 (11-15 October)
  Great Jubilee Year – Children: springtime of the family and of the Church.
  Read Pope John Paul’s homily here.
• II – Rio de Janeiro 1997(4-5 October)
  The Family: gift and commitment, the hope of humanity.
  Read Pope John Paul’s homily here.
• I – Rome, 1994 (8-9 October) – International Year of the Family.
  The Family: the heart of the civilisation of love.
  Read Pope John Paul’s homily (IT) here.