The Philippine Bishops held the Asian Conference on the Family in Manila from May 13-16^th. The conference was attended by thousands of religious, educators, lay faithful, and politicians from throughout Asia. The Holy Father sent his support of the conference along with a brief message signed by the Vatican Secretary of State. The message stated:

“The Holy Father was pleased to be informed of the “Asian Conference on the Family” to be held from 13 to 16 May 2014 with the theme “Families of Asia: Lights of Hope”. Recalling that the “family is the fundamental cell of society where we learn to live with others despite our differences and to belong to one another” (Evangelii Gaudium, 66), His Holiness calls upon all the lay faithful gathered to deepen their experience of faith and communion, under the guidance of the Successor of Peter and the Bishops, so as to be a leaven of Christ’s love in the midst of humanity. Commending all present and their families to the intercession of Mary, Mother of the Church, and Saint Joseph, the Holy Father willingly imparts his Apostolic Blessing as a pledge of peace and joy in our Lord Jesus.”

Source: http://www.news.va/en/news/pope-sends-his-blessings-to-participants-of-the-as