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Indigenous people take part in a protest against Ecuadorian President Lenin Moreno's austerity measures in Quito, Ecuador, Oct.11, 2019. Ecuadorian observers at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican are keeping an eye on massive protests that have claimed the lives of at least five people in their country.

Protests in Ecuador draw eyes of synod participants

ROME -- Ecuadorian observers at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon are keeping an eye on massive protests that have claimed the lives of five people in their country.

Sister Alba Teresa Cediel Castillo, an indigenous member of the Congregation of Missionary Sisters of Immaculate Mary and of St. Catherine of Siena, speaks at a news briefing after the first session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2019.

Theologian: Women religious should have vote at synod

VATICAN CITY -- While the Catholic Church has made strides to include the voice of women, especially in the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon, women should be included among synod voting members and in church leadership positions, a German theologian said.

A banner of Blessed John Henry Newman hangs on the facade of St. Peter's Basilica at the Vatican Oct. 10, 2019. He is among five people to be canonized by Pope Francis Oct. 13.

Banners unfurled in St. Peter's Square in preparation for canonizations

VATICAN CITY -- The Vatican hung banners of the Catholic Church's newly canonized saints four days before the Mass that would officially recognize that they are in heaven with God.

Celestina Fernandes da Silva, a Catholic activist, waters flowers in front of her home in the Wapishana indigenous village of Tabalascada, Brazil, April 3, 2019. Franciscan Father Joao Messias Sousa, who works among indigenous in the Amazon, said the people believe "God is in all things, but those things are not gods."

Synod looks at indigenous 'theology of creation'

VATICAN CITY -- By demanding respect for the cultures of indigenous peoples, Pope Francis was not promoting pantheism, but -- tapping into his Jesuit roots -- urging respect for a worldview that sees God in all things.

Brazilian Bishop Wilmar Santin of Itaituba speaks at a press briefing following a session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 10, 2019. Also pictured is Cristiane Murray, vice director of the Vatican Press Office.

Bishop highlights need for lay ministries in Amazon

VATICAN CITY -- Lay men and women involved in ministry have been fundamental in spreading the Gospel and furthering the Catholic Church's mission in the Amazon, a Brazilian bishop said.

Retired Bishop Erwin Krautler of Xingu, Brazil, talks with Cristiane Murray, vice director of the Vatican Press Office, during a press briefing following a session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 9, 2019.

Most Amazon bishops support 'viri probati,' women deacons

VATICAN CITY -- Most bishops who lead dioceses in the Amazon support the ordination of married men of proven virtue, or "viri probati," as a way of addressing the lack of priests in the region, a Brazilian bishop said.

Pope Francis leads a session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 8, 2019.

Synod participants: Catholics must recognize 'ecological sins'

VATICAN CITY -- Synod members called for the Catholic Church to deepen its theology in a way that would help people recognize "ecological sins."

Participants leave the morning session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 8, 2019.

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.

Pope Francis speaks as Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes, relator general of the Synod of Bishops on the Amazon, looks on at the start of the first session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2019.

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.

People participate in a prayer service in St. Peter's Basilica at the start of the first session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2019.

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.

Pope Francis speaks at the start of the first session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican Oct. 7, 2019.

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.

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