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.
Pope Francis
Bishop Brennan Led Day of Prayer Mass Aligned With Pope’s Worldwide Prayer
The power of prayer was on display at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James as the faithful gathered with Bishop Robert Brennan for a Day of Prayer for Peace on Friday, Oct. 27.
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.”
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.
Bishop Brennan to Celebrate Mass for Peace During Pope Francis’ Day of Prayer
In response to Pope Francis’ call for a Day of Prayer and Fasting for Peace on Oct. 27 as war continues to rage in Gaza and Israel, Bishop Robert Brennan will celebrate a Mass of Prayer and Peace that day at the Cathedral Basilica of St. James.
Biden and Pope Francis Discuss Conflict in Israel and Gaza in Phone Call
President Joe Biden and Pope Francis spoke by phone Oct. 22 to discuss the conflict in Israel and Gaza and facilitating a path to “durable peace” in the region, according to the press offices of both leaders.
Nicaragua Expels a Dozen Priests, Sends Them to The Vatican, Ortega Regime Says
Nicaragua has expelled a dozen priests held as political prisoners as the increasingly tyrannical regime continues sending clergy into exile and cracking down on the Catholic Church.
Vatican Confirms it Will Welcome Nicaraguan Priests Released From Prison
The Vatican has confirmed that it has been asked and has agreed to receive 12 priests who had been detained in Nicaragua.
As Pope Meets LGBTQ+ Advocate, Prelate Credits Him for ‘Personal Conversion’
Archbishop Zbigņev Stankevičs of Riga, Latvia, a participant in this month’s Synod of Bishops on Synodality, has said homosexuals are called to live in chastity in accord with Church teaching, but credited Pope Francis for what he called his own “personal conversion” on the issue, becoming less judgmental.