Jesus changes understanding of family, Pope tells Italian pilgrims (Vatican Press Office)

At a May 5 audience from the Diocese of Asti, Italy, Pope Francis said that the Christian understanding of the family reflects “a new reality generated by Jesus Christ.”

The Pope mentioned that Christians recognize each other as “brothers and sisters,” because “the strongest, most important bond for us Christians is no longer that of blood, but of the love of Christ.”

During the audience the Pontiff reflected on his visit to Asti, and praised the warmth of the people. He said their welcome was like “Piedmontese wood, which does not heat up immediately, but after a little time, then it lasts.”