Transmitting life is a sacred duty, said the Pope. Whoever truly loves his marriage partner loves not only for what he receives, but for the partner's self, rejoicing that he can enrich his partner with the gift of himself. The Pope went on to state a key point in his argument. Children are really the supreme gift of marriage and contribute very substantially to the welfare of their parents. Total love, such as a man and wife should share, is meant to be responsible love.
Responsible love develops character and self-control.
To dominate instinct by means of one's reason and free will undoubtedly requires ascetical practices. . It demands continual effort yet, thanks to its beneficent influence, husband and wife fully develop their personalities, being enriched with spiritual values. If held, these values are communicated to children who, therefore, grow up with values of their own. The Pope realistically pointed out that society can weaken family values by permitting pornography, exotic dancing and the like. Governments must support the moral order by making wise provision for families and for the moral education of children.