Two couples attending the Synod of Bishops on the family said what surprised them most about their first synod in Rome was reading inaccurate media coverage of the closed-door proceedings, the diversity of problems families face around the world and the synod fathers’ great concern and compassion for the family.
Austen Ivereigh writes about the reporting of the Synod of Bishops on the family, the openness of the proceedings and the letter leaked to the press during the synod’s first week.
Several women participating in the Synod of Bishops on the family said they are encouraged that their views are not only respected but included.
As the discussion began at the world Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis urged members not to act as if the only question that mattered was the pastoral care of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, his spokesman said.
In a world filled with challenges to marriage and family life, the Catholic Church is called “to carry out her mission in fidelity, truth and love,” Pope Francis said at the Mass opening the world Synod of Bishops on the family.
As we look back on the Holy Father’s Apostolic visit to the United States, we can reflect, with some clarity, as to what the pope said and did during his time with us. Some were overjoyed at the pope’s speech to Congress; others felt it was a missed opportunity to speak more explicitly against the evil of abortion and against same-sex marriage. Some were thrilled that he explicitly mentioned his opposition to the death penalty; still others wanted him to be more specific on issues that Catholics in America have to face.
More than 360 participants, including 18 married couples from around the world, were expected to attend October’s Synod of Bishops on the family. The complete list of synod participants and papal appointees was released Sept. 15 by the Vatican.
Eleven cardinals have urged Church leaders to maintain Church rules on marriage and strengthen Catholic education on marriage and family life.
A brilliant article by a German Catholic philosopher, Professor Thomas Stark, suggests that an argument beneath the argument may be afoot in the controversies that will be aired at the Synod of Bishops in October.
A leading voice among Africa’s bishops predicts a new flexibility in Catholic teaching at October’s Synod of Bishops on the family, which he predicts will allow bishops in different parts of the world to adapt Church teaching on the family to the region’s culture, political landscape and economic situation.
