While some of the issues discussed at the synod on synodality were judged to require further study, members came up with a list of things that can or should happen immediately and others that should be considered.
International News
Pope Closes Synod Urging Detachment From ‘Personal Agendas’
Pope Francis closed this month’s Synod of Bishops on Synodality on Oct. 29 by telling participants that the process is not yet over, and urging them to prioritize love of God and others, things he said would free them from selfishness and attachment to personal agendas.
Synod Members Deny ‘Authentic Divisions,’ but Acknowledge Missing Voices
Participants in Pope Francis’ Synod of Bishops on Synodality have reiterated that there are no hostile divisions in the process despite differences of opinion, while also calling for a greater participation of women in leadership and for stronger ecumenical efforts to be made.
Mexican Bishops Call for Solidarity After Hurricane Otis Devastates Acapulco
Mexico’s bishops expressed “closeness” with the affected populations and urged generosity after a monster Category 5 hurricane tore through Acapulco, leaving 27 dead and four people disappeared.
Gaza Pastor: Pray for Peace, Hostage Release, and Aid
As the Israel-Hamas war nears its fourth week, the pastor of Gaza’s only Catholic church urged prayers for peace, the release of hostages and delivery of humanitarian aid, telling OSV News his parishioners are experiencing “a terrible situation, a crazy situation.”
Woman Religious and Her Team Work to Empower Women in Pakistan
Pakistani Sister Genevieve Ram Lal, a member of the Congregation of the Sisters of Charity of Jesus and Mary, became the national director of the Catholic Women’s Organization in 2012.
Mexican Cardinal Says U.S. Church Now More Accepting of Latino Catholics
With Latinos making up an estimated 40% of all Catholics in the United States, the U.S. Catholic Church is increasingly recognizing the needs and vitality of its Latino faithful, said Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes of Mexico City.
Pope Accepts Resignation of Polish Bishop in Whose Diocese ‘Sexual Orgy’ Took Place
Pope Francis accepted the resignation of a Polish bishop in whose diocese a priest organized a “sexual orgy” as Polish media reported. The nunciature did not indicate in an Oct. 24 statement the reasons why Bishop Grzegorz Kaszak of Sosnowiec resigned, but commentators in Poland expressed surprise at the news of what they called a “fast-track” resignation.
Pope Appeals for Unimpeded Aid into Gaza, Release of All Hostages
Pope Francis again called for the release of hostages taken from Israel by Hamas militants and for allowing humanitarian aid into Gaza.
Author of Catechism Says Pope Could Change Language on LGBTQ+ Issues
A celebrated prelate who helped write the Catechism of the Catholic Church, and who’s widely recognized as being among the Church’s top theologians, upheld Church teaching on LGBTQ+ issues on Friday but also said the pope has the power to change the catechism’s language describing homosexuals as “disordered.”