On the Feast of the Holy Family, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of families spending quality time together. He suggested something as simple yet profound as sharing meals at the dinner table, free from distractions like mobile phones.

During his Angelus address in St. Peter’s Square on the Sunday following Christmas, Pope reflected on the day’s Gospel, which recounts how Mary and Joseph lost 12-year-old Jesus during a pilgrimage to Jerusalem and later found Him in the Temple, engaged in conversation. He described the scene as an experience familiar to many families, blending moments of peace with episodes of crisis. Pope Francis likened the story to modern family challenges, portraying it as the struggle of misunderstood parents and a teenager navigating his independence.

Pope urged the faithful to take inspiration from the Holy Family of Nazareth, highlighting their ability to communicate and listen to one another. “Dialogue is the most important element for a family,” he said. “A family that does not communicate cannot be a happy family.”

Focusing on the theme of listening, Pope explained that it is more vital than simply understanding. Listening, he said, gives importance to others and affirms their individuality and right to think independently—something especially crucial for children. Mealtimes, he added, provide an ideal opportunity for this kind of meaningful dialogue.

“Mealtimes are a special moment for dialogue in the family,” Pope Francis said. “It is good to stay together around the table and to speak. This can solve many problems and, above all, unite generations.” He encouraged families to reclaim this age-old tradition as a way of fostering connections that bridge generational gaps.

Pope also reminded families to resist the temptation of withdrawing into individual worlds or becoming absorbed in distractions like mobile phones. He encouraged open communication, urging, “Never remain closed in on yourself. Talk, listen to each other. This is the dialogue that is good for you and that makes you grow!”

Reassuring families that even the Holy Family faced challenges, the Pope noted how Mary and Joseph sometimes struggled to understand Jesus. He invited families to reflect on their own habits, questioning whether they truly listen to each other and confront issues together, or retreat into silence, resentment, or pride.

Pope Francis concluded his reflection by urging families to embrace the example of mutual listening demonstrated by the Holy Family. He called on them to entrust themselves to the Virgin Mary, praying for the grace to cultivate listening and communication within their homes.

As families celebrate the Feast of the Holy Family,  Pope’s words serve as a powerful reminder of the unity and healing that can come from meaningful dialogue and shared moments together.