Even though it takes more strength to forgive than to wage war, forgiveness is the only feasible weapon that can be used against every conflict, Pope Francis said.

The input and feedback coming from those taking part in the synodal journey underway around the world have inspired feelings of gratitude, hope and deeper faith for the many people involved with the process, said a panel of officials and organizers for the Synod of Bishops.

John Mundell considers it “an incredible honor” that he was recently chosen as the director of the worldwide effort to put Pope Francis’ encyclical “Laudato Si’, on Care for Our Common Home” into action.

A number of Catholic and other faith-based associations and groups, including dioceses, have joined in supporting an amicus brief filed in a court case on how the Biden administration’s proposal to broaden the interpretation of Title IX provisions could affect nonprofit organizations, including private schools.

The Diocese of Tulsa joined calls by a coalition of faith leaders and others for the Oklahoma governor to commute the death sentence of James Allen Coddington, 50, scheduled to die by lethal injection Aug. 25 at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester.

Russian Orthodox Patriarch Kirill, who was expected to meet Pope Francis at the Congress of World and Traditional Religions in Kazakhstan, will not attend the interreligious gathering in September, a senior Russian Orthodox bishop said.

As Ukraine approached the 31st anniversary of its independence Aug. 24, it did so while embroiled in a bitter fight for that freedom, as it hit the six-month mark of defending itself against a Russian invasion.

Many of Ukraine’s Catholics remain “upbeat and determined” despite fears of intensified Russian attacks on Ukraine’s Independence Day, said a senior priest, who added that parish life was also continuing under tight surveillance in occupied areas.

Elderly men and women are called to pass on their wisdom and shine a path toward a better tomorrow for future generations, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis will lead a number of major events at the end of August, starting with the creation of 20 new cardinals in St. Peter’s Basilica.