Pope Francis opened his Synod on Synodality Oct. 4 by urging members to abstain from speaking to journalists in order to maintain what he said was the “priority of listening,” and lamented the influence of public opinion on past synod gatherings.
International News
Costa Rica Declares State of Emergency Over Flow of Migrants Transiting Country
Costa Rica has declared a state of emergency due to the unprecedented flow of migrants transiting the Central American country — a plan Catholic relief officials described as coming after a slow response to the growing “humanitarian crisis.”
Pope Urges Synod of Bishops Not to ‘Barricade Itself Behind Preconceived Notions’
In his opening Mass for the keenly anticipated Synod of Bishops on Synodality, Pope Francis said modern global challenges require the Church to be a warm and welcoming presence, free of the politicking, ideology, and “rigidity” that he said have divided much of the world.
Pope Offers Cautious ‘Yes’ on Blessing Some Same-Sex Unions, ‘No’ on Women Priests
Responding to a group of five conservative cardinals who posed critical questions about his upcoming Synod of Bishops on Synodality, Pope Francis largely upheld the Church’s ban on women priests, while suggesting the doctrine can still be studied, but signaled openness to giving blessings to same-sex couples provided that doing so is not confused with the sacrament of marriage.
Pope Tells New Cardinals They Are Example of Unity in Diversity
Pope Francis told the 21 new cardinals he created Saturday, who come from all over the world, that their diversity is a gift which must contribute to a unified “symphony” of various but united voices capable of credible evangelization.
Mexican Church Roof Collapses During Sunday Mass, Killing 10
The roof of a Catholic church in northern Mexico collapsed during Sunday Mass on Oct. 1, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 60, local authorities said. Rescue workers worked through the night and into Monday morning probing the wreckage looking for survivors and victims.
‘You Can’t Silence the Gospel’ Amid Nicaragua’s Repression, Says Woman Religious
Indignation. That’s what she said she feels when she hears Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega and his wife, Rosario Murillo, the country’s vice president, refer to themselves as Christians.
18 U.S. Seminarians Ordained Deacons in St. Peter’s Basilica
Near the tomb of St. Peter, 18 seminarians from across the United States promised to dedicate their lives to Christ and were ordained to the diaconate.
Blaze Ignited by Fireworks Kills Dozens at Iraqi Wedding Reception
A fire that seemed to be set off by fireworks at a Christian wedding in Iraq, just outside the city of Mosul, killed at least 100 people and injured at least 150 more Sept. 27.
First Co-Cathedral Established in British Isles
The Isle of Man, a small British Crown Dependency located between Ireland and Great Britain, will receive a Catholic cathedral for the first time in the predominantly Anglican island’s history.