At the end of the family synod in Rome, Austen Ivereigh reports on how the world’s Catholic bishops managed to produce a consensus document that struck a fresh pastoral tone, even if there is still some disagreement.
International News
Synod Topics Include Mixed Marriages and Abusive Spouses
Observers told the Synod of Bishops on the family to discourage Christian women from marrying Muslim men, urge priests not to tell women to return to abusive husbands, share the truth of Church teaching about marriage, and embrace single mothers who are alienated from the Church.
Four New Saints Include Little Flower’s Parents
Pope Francis called on people to replace their thirst for power with the joy of quiet and humble service, as he proclaimed four new saints, including the parents of St. Therese of Lisieux.
Vatican Releases Papal Schedule for Africa
Despite continued instability and outbreaks of violence in the Central African Republic, the Vatican announced Pope Francis will spend about 33 hours in the country during a Nov. 25-30 visit to Africa.
At Synod, Dispute Is Not a Disagreement
Austen Ivereigh offers an analysis of the Synod of Bishops on the family, saying that even if some issues have been the source of vigorous debate, it’s not always easy to line people up in two opposing camps.
Cardinal Wuerl: Truth Will Win At the Synod
The Synod of Bishops on the family is not being manipulated, rather the distortion rests in how it is being depicted or seen by a number of people, said Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl of Washington.
Former Student Met Pope On Visit to Washington
By James Martone WASHINGTON (CNS) – One day in early September, Washington resident Yayo Grassi was interrupted by a mysterious phone call while working in his backyard. “I was watering my plants and the cellphone rings, and it says ‘caller is not in your contacts,’” Grassi recounted recently from his house in Washington. “So I […]
Trying to Get Along Is A Challenge at Synod
By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) – From newspaper headlines and social media comments Oct. 12 it seemed there was a family feud going on inside the Synod of Bishops on the family. Some cardinals – apparently 13 of the 74 cardinals participating in the synod – wrote Pope Francis a private letter expressing concern […]
Syrian Bishops Support Russian Intervention
Two Syrian archbishops expressed approval for Russian airstrikes against rebel groups in their country. Melkite Catholic Archbishop Jean-Clement Jeanbart of Aleppo said that the bombing of rebel positions by Russian jets was “a source of hope” for Syria.
Method of Teaching Sometimes Alienates Prospective Members
Just like a family, the Catholic Church should challenge members to grow and behave better, but also like a family, it should not exclude those who still have some growing to do, said synod member Bishop George V. Murry of Youngstown, Ohio.