This Pope is Different, a Valentine Message from Francis

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Today, everything is changing rapidly and nothing lasts for long. This sort of mentality leads so many who are getting ready for marriage to say they will be together for as long as love lasts,” which can lead to divorce, he said.

Love has to be built together, he said, not alone. “To build such a thing means to help your love grow,” he said.

“Dear engaged people, you are getting ready to grow together, to build a home, to live together for good. Do not just base it on those feelings that come and go, but on the rock of true love that comes from God,” he said.

Francis also took to Twitter to encourage those who are in love to take the plunge and tie the knot.

“Dear young people, don’t be afraid to marry. A faithful and fruitful marriage will bring you happiness,” he said on his official @Pontifexaccount.

Don’t go to bed angry

A second couple in St. Peter’s Square told Francis of how their love and commitment had changed their lives, before the woman asked for the Pope’s advice on how to live together day to day.

“Living together is an art. It’s a patient art, it’s a beautiful art, it’s fascinating,” Francis replied.

He spoke of the need to communicate with respect and attention, “to request politely so that you enter with courtesy into the life of the other.”

That isn’t easy, he said. Each half of the couple must learn to say thank you, and to apologize for his or her mistakes.

“We all know there isn’t a perfect family, neither a perfect husband nor a perfect wife. Of course, we are not talking about the perfect mother-in-law,” he joked.

“Do not end any day without asking each other for forgiveness, having peace back in your house and your family,” he said. “Never end a single day without being at peace with each other. This is the secret in order to preserve love.”