Cardinal Luis Antonio Tagle presided over the closing Mass for a Vatican assembly on marriage and family in St. Peter’s Square on October 14, 2026. The newly elected dean of the College of Cardinals read a homily prepared by Pope Leo XIV, who was unable to attend due to recent medical procedures.

The gathering marked the tenth anniversary of Amoris Laetitia, the apostolic exhortation on love in the family issued by Pope Francis. Presidents of bishops’ conferences and heads of Eastern Catholic churches participated in the week-long meeting, which concluded with the liturgy in the square.

Pontiff Undergoes Surgery

Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to preside over the Mass but underwent lung surgery on October 13. The Vatican announced later that day that the procedure confirmed a diagnosis of lung cancer. The 71-year-old pontiff’s first night in the hospital passed calmly, according to Vatican reports.

Special prayers for the pope’s recovery were included in the Prayer of the Faithful during Cardinal Tagle’s celebration of the Mass. The cardinal presided by special mandate of the Holy Father to ensure the event proceeded as planned despite the pontiff’s absence.

Focus on Family Formation

In the homily read by Cardinal Tagle, Pope Leo XIV emphasized the foundational role of families in society. “The world has no future without strong families,” the pope stated.

The text highlighted the importance of educating young people in virtues, specifically chastity, from an early age. The pontiff argued that marriage preparation programs are insufficient if they do not build upon a foundation of love education established during childhood. “Marriage preparation begins at birth,” Pope Leo XIV wrote.

Communion with Chaldean Patriarch

Cardinal Tagle noted the presence of Patriarch Paul III Nona of Baghdad of the Chaldeans at the gathering. The patriarch’s attendance served as a public manifestation of ecclesiastical communion granted by Pope Leo XIV in April.

The assembly concluded with the Mass, bringing together leaders from across the global Church to reflect on the teachings regarding family life. Cardinal Tagle, who also serves as pro-prefect of the Dicastery for Evangelization, led the liturgy in the absence of the pope.