Pope Francis
As Synod Nears End, Preacher Urges Members to be at Peace with Results
Even if some members of the Synod of Bishops end up feeling disappointed by the results of the synod, "God's providence is at work in this assembly, bringing us to the Kingdom in ways that God alone knows," the spiritual adviser to the synod on synodality told them.
Saints Served Generously, Creatively, Pope Says at Canonization Mass
Pope Francis called on the faithful to yearn to serve, not thirst for power, as he proclaimed 14 new saints, including Canada-born St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 11 martyrs.
U.S. Bishop: Church Needs Decentralization, Not Doctrinal Fragmentation
The decentralization of certain aspects of the Catholic Church's governance, as proposed in the Synod of Bishops on synodality, should not lead to a decentralization of doctrine, said the former chair of the U.S. bishops' Committee on Doctrine.
Pope Says he Hopes for ‘Reconciled Differences’ Among Christians
Pope Francis called on divided Christians to overcome their doctrinal differences and walk together in love, expressing hope especially for greater unity between the Orthodox and Catholic Churches.
D.C. Cardinal Urges Prayer, Reflection Before November Elections
Cardinal Wilton Gregory of Washington said he hopes U.S. voters who are as concerned as he is about the "anger and vitriol" of the current election cycle will take time away from the media to think and pray about the values important to them as Catholics.
Pope Calls for Mideast Cease-Fire; Prays for Peace in Ukraine, Haiti
Pope Francis called again for "an immediate cease-fire on all fronts" in the Middle East, urging leaders to "pursue the paths of diplomacy and dialogue to achieve peace."
Mission is Common Goal of Synod and Ecumenism, Pope Says
Halfway through the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis and synod participants prayed that God would "remove the divisions between Christians" so that they could proclaim the Gospel together.
Synodal Leadership Can Ease a Bishop’s Burdens, Speakers Say
A bishop who runs his diocese like a "monarch" is not only not acting synodally, but he probably is lonely and stressed, said theologians advising the Synod of Bishops.
From on High: A Rare Glimpse from the Top of St. Peter’s Baldachin
More than two dozen popes have celebrated Mass under the giant canopy that rises over the main altar of St. Peter's Basilica, but the impressive view from the top of 100-foot-tall bronze structure has been reserved for a select few: cleaners, contractors and restoration experts.
Statistically Speaking: How Pope’s Choices Change College of Cardinals
Popes have made a habit of exceeding the statutory limit on the number of cardinals under the age of 80, but Pope Francis is planning to set a record.