The U.S. bishops’ conference point person for the preparatory period of the Synod on Synodality has welcomed the Vatican’s extension of the diocesan phase after what in many places was considered a rushed start to the opening on Oct. 17.
International News
Tombs of Fallen Soldiers Are Cry for Peace, Pope Says on All Souls’ Feast
The tombstones of soldiers killed in war cry out to people today to end all wars and to stop the production of weapons, Pope Francis said. “I am sure that all of those who went with goodwill (to war), called by their country to defend it, are with the Lord,” he said, celebrating Mass on the feast of All Souls, Nov. 2, at the French Military Cemetery in Rome.
Pope, Cardinal Parolin Call for Concrete Action at COP26 Summit
As the U.N. Climate Change Conference began, Pope Francis urged world leaders to take action in stemming the adverse effects of climate change. As world leaders gathered in Glasgow, Scotland, for the conference, also known as COP26, he also said he hoped it “might provide efficacious responses, offering concrete hope to future generations.”
Pope Prays for Haitian People, Flood Victims in Vietnam, Sicily
Pope Francis called on world leaders to aid the people of Haiti as the country continues to descend into chaos due to widespread violence, economic instability and natural disasters.
Holiness Always Comes With Joy, Pope Francis says on All Saints’ Feast
Christian joy is neither a passing emotion nor an optimistic worldview but a sign of holiness that bears witness to God’s love, even in the direst circumstances, Pope Francis said on the feast of All Saints.
Churches Prepare to Mark Nov. 7 Day of Prayer for Persecuted Christians
Christians of different denominations will participate in the International Day of Prayer (IDOP) for persecuted Christians. It will yet be another opportunity to intercede on behalf of the estimated 260 million believers around the world who are experiencing high to extreme forms of persecution due to their faith.
Pope, President Biden Hold Unusually Long Meeting at Vatican
In one of his most keenly anticipated meetings since taking office in January, President Joe Biden met with Pope Francis at the Vatican Friday for a lengthy conversation that touched on a variety of issues of shared interest.
Vatican Extends Traditional All Souls’ Day Indulgences
With the COVID-19 pandemic still underway and with restrictions on gatherings still in place in some countries, the Vatican has again extended the period of time when people can earn a plenary indulgence for visiting a cemetery and praying for the souls of the faithful in purgatory.
Christians Targeted in Turkey’s Strategy of Syria Displacements
There appears to be no end in sight for the suffering of Christians in North Syria, as Turkey and its allies in the region continue military escalation and bombardment, pushing remaining Christians to flee and preventing others from returning to their homes and properties.
Families in South Sudan Benefit From Church Aid Following Floods
Forty-year-old Chol Garang and his wife Anok Deng, 33, sit on a woven mat outside their new home in Malakal, South Sudan’s second largest city, waiting for rice donated by the church to cook for their children.