Synod participants call for greater role of women in ministry
VATICAN CITY -- Synod participants offered several proposals to address the lack of priests in the Amazon region, including revising the formation program for candidates to the priesthood and instituting new ministries for lay men and women.
First synod talks focused on climate, priests, inculturation
VATICAN CITY -- Climate change, water resources, inculturation and indigenous practices were among the topics discussed during the first afternoon session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.
Synod speakers praise diversity brought by indigenous
VATICAN CITY -- People in Western countries need to see the different cultural expressions of faith that exist in other parts of the world, said some participants at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.
Cardinal Hummes introduces synod topics: Don't fear what is new
VATICAN CITY -- With its mandate to seek "new pathways for the church and for an integral ecology," the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon follows Pope Francis' call for the church to move forward without fear, Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes told participants.
Cardinal Baldisseri explains how Amazon synod works
VATICAN CITY -- While the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is focused on one small, but important geographical area, the issues involved impact the universal Catholic Church, said Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod is a time to listen, not despise, Pope Francis says
VATICAN CITY -- The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is a time of reflection, dialogue and listening to the needs and sufferings of indigenous people, Pope Francis said.
Status quo smothers God's love, Pope Francis says at synod Mass
VATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church's mission in the world is to spread the fire of God's love and must not be limited to the "'ordinary maintenance' of those who already know the Gospel," Pope Francis said.
Canada's Michael Czerny made a cardinal by Pope Francis
VATICAN CITY -- In a ceremony in which Canadian Michael Czerny was installed as a cardinal, Pope Francis reminded new and old members of the College of Cardinals how much their ministry and service depends on their realizing how much God loves them and has been compassionate with them.
Pope Francis plants tree in Vatican with Amazonians on feast of St. Francis
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis joined Amazonian church workers and indigenous people Oct. 4, the feast of St. Francis of Assisi, to plant a tree in the Vatican Gardens.
Vatican hires anti-Mafia prosecutor to run court system
VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has appointed a retired anti-Mafia prosecutor to head the Vatican City State's judicial system.
Synod document a guide, not church teaching, cardinal says
VATICAN CITY -- Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes said the working document for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is not official church teaching, but rather a way for bishops to listen to the local church's concerns.