Pontifical Council for the Family

The Pontifical Council for the Family is an international catholic organisation.

The Pontifical Council for the Family, instituted by John Paul II with the Motu Proprio Familia a Deo Instituta in 1981, substituted the Committee for the Family created by Paul VI in 1973.

The Council is responsible for the promotion of the pastoral ministry and apostolate to the family, through the application of the teachings and guidelines of the ecclesiastical Magisterium, to help Christian families fulfill their educational and apostolic mission.

It also promotes and coordinates pastoral efforts related to the issue of responsible procreation, and encourages, sustains and coordinates initiatives in defense of human life in all stages of its existence, from conception to natural death.

Cardinal Alfonso Lopez Trujillo, Bishop Karl Josef Romer, and Msgr. Francesco Di Felice are respectively President, Secretary and Under-Secretary of this Council. It has a Presidential Committee composed of 14 cardinals and 14 archbishops and bishops, plus 20 married couples from all over the world who are the members, 39 consultors, and a staff of 7 officials.

http://www.vatican.va/roman_curia/pontifical_councils/family/documents/rc_pc_family_pro_20051996_en.html