Vatican News
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.
Powerful Impose War on Others, World Shows Indifference, Pope Says
On the one-year anniversary of the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with all those suffering because of conflicts throughout the Middle East, urged Christians to be peacemakers and warned warmongers they will face God's judgment.
Pope Announces He Will Create 21 New Cardinals in December
Pope Francis announced he would create 21 new cardinals Dec. 8, including a 99-year-old former nuncio and the 44-year-old Ukrainian bishop who heads his church's eparchy in Melbourne, Australia.
UPDATE: Vatican Doctrinal Chief Tells Synod It’s Not Time for Women Deacons
"Rushing" to open the diaconate to women in the Catholic Church would short-circuit a necessary reflection on the relationship between ordained ministry and charismatic leadership, particularly as it impacts the participation of women in the church, said the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office.
Diaconate is ‘Surrender’ to Jesus, U.S. Archbishop Says at Ordination Mass
Before the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica, a symbol of the Catholic Church's unity behind the successor of St. Peter, 15 men laid prostrate to express their humility and take vows of chastity and obedience to their bishop.
No One has ‘Exclusive Right’ to God’s Voice, Pope Says at Synod Opening
Members of the Synod of Bishops must engage in genuine dialogue with those holding differing views, avoid pushing personal agendas and remain open to changing their minds about what is best for the church, Pope Francis said.