Discourage mixed marriages, women accepting abuse, some say at Synod
VATICAN CITY - Observers told the Synod of Bishops on the Family to discourage Christian women from marrying Muslim men, urge priests not to tell women to return to abusive husbands, share the truth of Church teaching about marriage and embrace single mothers who are alienated from the Church.
Clash of the archbishops: Synod dispute between senior U.S. churchmen goes public
ROME - The eight American bishops taking part in the Synod on family life stay at a huge seminary built high on a hill overlooking St. Peter’s Basilica and the rest of the Eternal City. It’s a lovely place with spacious apartments for each bishop and any amenity they might need.
Pope calls for 'synodal' church where all listen, learn, share mission
VATICAN CITY - Marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis outlined his vision for a church that is "synodal" at every level, with everyone listening to one another, learning from one another and taking responsibility for proclaiming the Gospel.
Women’s role: how far should Church go?
When Archbishop Paul-André Durocher raised the question of ordaining female deacons during the first full day of the Synod on Family, he stepped into one of the most contentious and complex struggles in the Church — full participation of women in all aspects of their faith life, their Church.
Surprise! Pope Francis stops by Vatican’s new homeless shelter
VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis has made a surprise visit to a new homeless shelter just outside Vatican City, the pontiff’s latest move to draw attention to the world’s poor.
Synod’s bishops are in for a long process
For Fr. Gilles Routhier, one of the world’s leading historians of the Second Vatican Council, watching the Synod unfold in Rome is more exciting than any Game 7 in any sport you care to name.
Synod calls for Bible-based presentation of God's plan for family
VATICAN CITY - As members of the Synod of Bishops concluded work on the second of three chapters in their working document, they continued to call for a tone and for language that is clear, simple and encourages people to see it is possible to live the vocation of marriage and family life.
Pope asks forgiveness for scandals in Rome, Vatican
VATICAN CITY - With 30,000 people gathered in St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis asked forgiveness for scandals that have occurred within the Church recently.
Canadian bishop says 'Nostra Aetate' can help achieve peace, justice
WASHINGTON (CNS) -- The Second Vatican Council's declaration on the church's relations with non-Christian religions is helping Catholics to build a world of peace, said the chairman of the Canadian bishops' committee on interfaith relations.
Cardinals’ secret letter to Francis warns of plot to rig reforms
VATICAN CITY - Tensions already roiling a high-level Vatican summit spilled into the open Oct. 12 with the publication of a letter allegedly sent to Pope Francis from 13 conservative cardinals warning of plots by progressives to hijack the proceedings.
Vatican inaugurates new homeless shelter for men
VATICAN CITY - The Vatican opened the “Gift of Mercy,” a shelter for homeless men, just a few hundred metres away from St. Peter’s Square.