MIAMI SHORES, Fla. – Pope Francis has released a document to help Catholic's cope with today's problems and urging Catholics to be non-judgmental of others.
The document is named "The Joy of Love."
In the document, Pope Francis says Catholics should look to their own consciences more than Vatican rules to negotiate the complexities of sex, marriage and family life.
He insists the church's aim is to reintegrate and welcome all of its members.
Local 10 News reporter Jenise Fernandez spoke to Archbishop Thomas Wenski in Miami Shores on Friday to get his take on the 250-page document.
The pope urges Catholics to be non-judgmental and open, and the document is a less strict approach to some Catholic teachings that have been criticized for years.
"He recognizes that life is messy and he recognizes the messiness of life," Wenski said.
In the case of divorced Catholics under current teaching, Catholics who divorce or remarry cannot receive communion and can only do so if they receive an annulment.
Although the pope did not specify whether or not these divorcees can receive communion, he seemed to suggest that it would be a case by case scenario.
Wenski said the Archdiocese of Miami will get onboard with streamlining annulments.
"We've made it an easier process so that people could access the annulment process easier," Wenski said.
As for same-sex marriage, the teachings are the same. The pope reiterated the church's view that marriage is between a man and a woman, but did stress more tolerance and acceptance of gays and lesbians.
"The same-sex unions can never be equal to natural marriage or the marriage between a man and a woman," Wenski said.
Wenski said "The Joy of Love" should serve as a guideline for how Catholics should live their lives.
He is hoping the document will help people realize that the church is not meant to scold or criticize, but rather it's a place of acceptance.
"The church is a mother, but a loving mother and a patient mother," Wenski said.