With a call to recognize the family as a fundamental foundation for strengthening society, the International Congress of Families (CIFAM) Monterrey 2026 opened at Cintermex in Monterrey, Nuevo León, Mexico, on Friday, February 27, 2026, under the theme “Families Forging Hope: Building Together a Better Future for All.”
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The event brought together state authorities, religious leaders, specialists and representatives of civil society committed to strengthening the family. Elder Moisés Villanueva, Mexico Area President of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, participated in several activities during the three-day congress and was one of the keynote speakers at the opening session.
In his remarks, Elder Villanueva cited recent teachings from Church President Dallin H. Oaks, who has encouraged people not to lose sight of “the divine purpose of marriage and the value of children.”
He also reflected on how families have changed over time and how technological and social developments have influenced family life, noting that there are increasingly fewer consistent family-centered activities.
“Urban life and modern transportation, organized entertainment and high-speed communication have caused young people to regard their homes as guesthouses where they sleep and eat occasionally, but with much less parental supervision in their activities,” he said.
Despite these challenges, Elder Villanueva emphasized hope for families. “There are no perfect families,” he said, “but there are families with the capacity to heal and grow stronger.”
Fernando Milanés, president of CIFAM Mexico, explained that the congress aims to provide a space for reflection amid the anxieties of today’s world. He emphasized that family love is a transformative force in society, describing families as true builders of hope.
Monsignor Rogelio Cabrera López, Archbishop of Monterrey, also spoke at the event, noting that the congress provides an opportunity to inspire meaningful change.
“Jesus works miracles with us and in us,” he said. “He works miracles through our efforts. May the best within us be transformed into something extraordinary.”
Mauricio Flores, president of CIFAM Monterrey, reaffirmed that the family is at the center of society and that strengthening it will always be a worthwhile investment. Laura Hernández, director of public affairs at Red Familia, warned that when the family is no longer a priority in public policy, social vulnerability increases.
CIFAM is an annual event that brings together more than 100 national and international specialists and leaders. Through keynote addresses, panels and workshops, participants share tools to strengthen family life, marriages and support for rising generations.
Education and Family History at CIFAM
The congress, which welcomed more than 15,000 attendees from Mexico and other countries, also features the Expo Familia exhibition hall, where schools, civil organizations, services and media outlets share resources designed to support families.
Among the 140 exhibitors, the Church of Jesus Christ participated with two booths representing FamilySearch and BYU–Pathway Worldwide.
FamilySearch offers a free online platform for genealogical research and family history, providing access to millions of historical records—including birth, marriage and death certificates, parish records and census documents—to help people discover their ancestors and build their family trees.
BYU–Pathway Worldwide provides affordable online higher education combined with a spiritual foundation, making university-level learning accessible to students around the world.
