About us

The Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life is competent in those matters pertinent to the Apostolic See for the promotion of life and the apostolate of the lay faithful, for the pastoral care of the young, the family and its mission, following God’s plan and for the protection and support of human life. For these purposes, in accordance with the principles of collegiality, synodality and subsidiarity, the Dicastery maintains relations with the Episcopal Conferences, local Churches and other ecclesial bodies, promoting exchange between them and offering its collaboration to promote values and initiatives related to the aforementioned matters.

The Dicastery is to animate and encourage the promotion of the vocation and mission of the lay faithful in the Church and in the world, as individuals, married or not, and also as members belonging to associations, movements and communities. It also promotes studies to contribute to the doctrinal examination of themes and issues regarding the lay faithful.