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.
Pope Francis
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.
New Detroit Auxiliary Bishop Continues ‘Climbing a Ladder to Eternal Life With Jesus Christ’
Bishop Jeffrey Monforton has mixed feelings as he leaves the Diocese of Steubenville.
Ohio Bishop, a Detroit Native, Looks Forward to ‘Going Home’ to Serve Michigan’s Faithful
A native son of the Archdiocese of Detroit, Bishop Jeffrey M. Monforton of Steubenville, Ohio, will return home to serve as Detroit’s 32nd auxiliary bishop.
Canadian Bishops: Motto of Indigenous Reconciliation Effort is ‘Listen, Listen, Listen’
About six months after Canadian bishops wrote pastoral letters to indigenous communities outlining plans for reconciliation in the wake of revelations of historical abuse at Church-run institutions, the bishops have set in motion a reorganization of their Catholic Canadian Indigenous Council to “help move things along.”
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.
Rome Readies for Pregame Frenzy Ahead of the Super Bowl of Synods
As Americans know well, the Super Bowl is no longer just a football game. It’s an entire fortnight of pre-game festivities, collectively creating one of the most frenzied periods on the country’s annual calendar.
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.