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.

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.

From Marseille, Pope Issues Boldest Challenge Yet on Migration

During his brief, overnight visit to Marseille, Pope Francis not only reiterated his advocacy on behalf of migrants and refugees, but turned up the volume of his message, issuing clear condemnations of what he called “alarmist propaganda” and “velvet gloved” indifference to their plight.

Believe in Angels? Poll Says Most American Adults Do

It seems like angels are having a moment. A poll this summer showed that 7 in 10 U.S. adults say they believe in angels — more than they believe in the devil (56%), astrology (34%), and reincarnation (34%).

Pope Rejects ‘Alarmist Propaganda’ on Migration, Urges Policy of Welcome

After a week of rising tensions within Europe amid a surge in migrant arrivals, with some countries, including France, taking measures against asylum-seekers, Pope Francis in Marseille Saturday challenged “alarmist propaganda” over immigration and advocated for a unified equitable reception policy.