Pope Francis will release "Amoris Laetitia" on Friday, a document that will discuss family issues,
reported The New York Times.
"Amoris Laetitia" is Latin for "The Joy of Love."
The document is called an apostolic exhortation. The pope has been at work on it for two years, by charging the church with self-examination. He has questioned whether the church needs to reposition itself on some issues.
The pope has called bishops to two synods, in 2014 and 2015, to discuss church positions on family issues, and how to address how the church is seeing to the needs of those who feel excluded.
In the document, it's believed that the pope could discuss controversial topics such as gay marriage. He might also address reforms to Catholic doctrine, such as the need for an annulment before a divorced person remarries.
"I'm sure he knew he would touch some nerves," said Vatican analyst John Thavis.
The document could also be a general discussion of broad topics.
"If there is no movement at all, it would have been better if the whole conversation had not been opened," said Boston College professor M. Cathleen Kaveeny.
In the pope's first apostolic exhortation in 2013, "Evangelii Gaudium," he said the church must focus less on doctrine.
"This document is meant for Catholics all over the world," said Thomas J. Reese, senior analyst for the National Catholic Reporter. "This pope, his heart aches for people who are so marginalized. I'm sure this document will address that."
The pope plans to visit the Greek island of Lesbos, to urge attention to the refugee crisis in Europe, said a report in the
Guardian.
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