John Paul II · "The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are..."

Apostolic Exhortation *Familiaris Consortio*, 1981 · Checked on 22 August 2026

The great danger for family life, in the midst of any society whose idols are pleasure, comfort and independence, lies in the fact that people close their hearts and become selfish.

Analysis

In *Familiaris Consortio* (1981), John Paul II addresses threats to family life, including hedonism, materialism, and excessive individualism, which he links to societal idols like pleasure, comfort, and independence. The quoted statement aligns with his critique of selfishness as a corrosive force in family and social bonds. The text explicitly warns against closing one's heart to others due to these influences.

Background

*Familiaris Consortio* is a post-synodal apostolic exhortation on the role of the Christian family in the modern world. It emphasizes the family as a communal and self-giving institution, contrasting it with cultural trends that prioritize personal gratification over relational commitment.

Verdict summary

The statement accurately reflects the content and theme of *Familiaris Consortio* by Pope John Paul II.

Sources consulted

— John Paul II. *Familiaris Consortio*. Vatican, 1981. (Paragraphs 6-10, 33-34)

— Vatican Official Text: *Familiaris Consortio* (http://www.vatican.va/content/john-paul-ii/en/apost_exhortations/documents/hf_jp-ii_exh_19811122_familiaris-consortio.html)

— Catechism of the Catholic Church, 2207-2209 (on the family and society)