Chicago archbishop: Pope's document on families 'accessible'

CHICAGO (AP) - Chicago Archbishop Blase Cupich says Pope Francis' new document about families demonstrates the pontiff's closeness to people's real lives.

Pope Francis on Friday issued "The Joy of Love" in which he emphasizes mercy over church rules for Catholics whose family relationships don't meet church ideals.

Cupich on Friday said the pope's statements were "very readable and accessible." The archbishop said the pope included a "healthy dose of self-criticism" and noted that the pope said clergy often "speak in a way that is far too abstract." Cupich also highlighted that Francis said doctrines should serve the pastoral mission.

In the document Pope Francis told priests and bishops to look at situations facing parishioners and help them find ways to more fully participate in the church. Francis makes no explicit changes to doctrine.