Listen to, trust the lay faithful, pope tells synod members October 25, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News Pope Francis told members of the synod on synodality that they should respect and honor the faith of all baptized Catholics, including the women, trusting “the holy, faithful people of God” who continue to believe even when their pastors act like dictators.
As synod winds down, members urged to sow patience October 23, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News As members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops return home, share the results of their work and prepare for the final synod assembly in 2024, they must be on guard against people who will want to make them take sides as if the synod were a political debate, said Dominican Father Timothy Radcliffe.
At synod prayer service, pope calls for immigration reform with a heart October 19, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, Immigration and Migration, News, Synodality, World News Taking to heart the lesson of the parable of the good Samaritan is the key to assisting the millions of migrants and refugees forced to travel far from their homelands and often exploited along the way, Pope Francis said.
Pope calls Gaza parish staff as bombing continues October 17, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Huddled in a stairwell at the Catholic parish and school in Gaza, Rosary Sister Nabila Saleh, another sister and Father Youssef Asaad filmed themselves speaking to Pope Francis on the phone and begging for his continued prayers.
Synod secures texts after outsiders were given access October 16, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, World News Some confidential documents from the assembly of the Synod of Bishops were accessible online to anyone who had the address before synod officials restored the need for a username and password, said Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication.
St. Thérèse teaches simplicity, love, trust, pope says in document October 16, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Saints, Vatican, World News St. Thérèse of Lisieux, long one of Pope Francis’ favorite saints, teaches Christians “the little way” of love, self-giving, concern for others and complete trust in the mercy of God, the pope said in a new document.
Synod focus on ‘inclusion’ key for people with disabilities, member says October 16, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News In many places in the world, including in Rome, people with disabilities cannot enter Catholic churches because of the architectural barriers, but even when they do, “we are not asked anything and we are not asked to participate either,” said Enrique Alarcón García.
Synod looks at Catholics’ shared mission, but also exclusion of women October 13, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News The life of women in the Catholic Church “is full of scars” and alternating experiences of being encouraged or rejected, the president of Latin America’s religious superiors told members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod members from around the globe unite in praying for peace October 12, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Synodality, World News Synod participants who have known war and conflict firsthand led the assembly of the Synod of Bishops Oct. 12 by praying for peace between Israel and Palestine, throughout the Middle East and across the globe.
Synod elects members to oversee synthesis report October 12, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: News, Synodality, Vatican, World News With 364 members and dozens of special guests having the right to speak at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, accurately synthesizing the discussion will be a major undertaking.
Synod guest shares how process reduces anger, builds community October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Feature, Immigration and Migration, News, Synodality, Vatican, World News Luca Casarini, a longtime and well-known Italian activist, is a special guest at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops; he’s encouraged to speak, but has no vote. And he said he is learning a lot.
Pope condemns terrorism, expresses concern for civilians October 11, 2023By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Filed Under: Conflict in the Middle East, Feature, News, Vatican, World News Pope Francis condemned Hamas’ terrorist attacks on Israel and pleaded with the militants to free their hostages unharmed, but he also expressed concern about Israel’s tightening siege on Gaza and its impact on innocent civilians.