Since Hamas’ attack on Israel Oct. 7, 2023, and the immediate start of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis has provided daily spiritual solace to Gaza Strip’s only Catholic parish.

The Catholic Church cannot be credible in its mission of proclaiming Christ unless it acknowledges its mistakes and bends down “to heal the wounds we have caused by our sins,” Pope Francis said.

As the Israel-Hamas war expands to include attacks in Lebanon — where the Iran-backed Shia militia Hezbollah is based — OSV News interviewed Michel Constantin, regional director for the Catholic Near East Welfare Association-Pontifical Mission in Palestine.

The Synod of Bishops on synodality does not aim only at bridging the gap between factions within the Catholic Church, but it also must grapple with the immense diversity of its 1.3 billion members spanning across cultures and countries, a spiritual adviser to the synod said.

The second meeting of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops begins Oct. 2 at the Vatican.

A former Vatican doctrinal chief cast sharp criticism on the Synod on Synodality days ahead of the synod’s second and final session starting Oct. 2.

The Vatican dicastery charged with overseeing and assisting religious orders confirmed that it plans to conduct an apostolic visitation of the Priestly Fraternity of St. Peter, which was founded in 1988 by traditionalist priests wanting to maintain the old liturgical rites while remaining in full communion with the pope.

How are Catholics to navigate the murky waters of genetic manipulation? Some of its potential uses are laudable, while others such as “designer babies,” have harrowing consequences.

With increased smartphone use — an estimated 69 percent of the global population, who also consume social media on their devices — come questions of authentic versus artificial community.

Every Christian, whether a layperson or member of the clergy, has a vital role to play in advancing the mission of the church through collaboration, Pope Francis said.