The post-synodal apostolic exhortation on the role of the Christian family in the modern world, issued after the 1980 Synod of Bishops. It is arranged in four parts: the lights and shadows of family life today, God's plan for marriage and the family, the four tasks of the family (forming a community of persons, serving life, sharing in the development of society, and sharing in the life and mission of the Church), and the pastoral care of the family. It confirms the teaching of Humanae Vitae on the unitive and procreative meaning of conjugal love, treats the family as the domestic church, and gives careful pastoral direction for difficult situations.