In this regard, teaching the truth about marriage and love becomes extremely important, Francis reminded the judges.
He quoted from Benedict XVI's last speech to the Rota on Jan. 26, 2013, in which he said that "only in being open to the truth of God [...] is it possible to understand, and to achieve in the concreteness of life, even marriage and family, the truth of man…"
"The rejection of the divine proposal," Benedict said, "in fact leads to a profound imbalance in all human relationships [...], including the matrimonial one."
Pope Francis went on to quote from Lumen fidei, his first encyclical, which says that "Love needs truth. Just as it is based on truth, love can last in time, overcome the ephemeral moment and stand firm to support a common path."
"If love has no relationship to the truth, it is subject to the changing feelings and does not pass the test of time," Lumen fidei continues. "True love instead unifies all the elements of our person and becomes a new light towards a great and full life."
From this perspective, another vital aspect of building up the truth of marriage is in continuing to support and strengthen couples even after the wedding, Francis said.
"You need to identify with courage and creativity, a training project for young married couples, with initiatives aimed at increasing awareness of the sacrament received."
Often, he said, a young couple is left to themselves, perhaps because they are not even seen in the parish, or the birth of children keeps them busy, "but it is in these first moments of family life they must be guaranteed greater proximity and a strong spiritual support."
"The Christian community is called to welcome, accompany and help young couples," by offering them opportunities and tools, aside from just Sunday Mass, he said, including programs for within the parish and within the home.
The Pope concluded his speech by wishing the judges a good new year, reminding them that "it requires great courage to get married in the time in which we live. And the many who have the strength and the joy of making this important step should feel next to them the love and concrete closeness of the Church."
Hannah Brockhaus is Catholic News Agency's senior Rome correspondent. She grew up in Omaha, Nebraska, and has a degree in English from Truman State University in Missouri.