FAITH/STORIES
VATICAN CITY - Gathered with a worldwide representation of bishops, including patriarchs and other bishops from the Middle East, Pope Francis dedicated the morning prayer of the Synod of Bishops on the family to pleas for peace in the Middle East.
Discern and watch, even in good times
The Christian must discern all things, even when everything is going well. That was at the heart of Pope Francis’ homily at Mass on Friday morning in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
Cardinal Collins to tell Synod pastors must lead people towards God
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Showing mercy and accompanying people who are living in situations that go against church teaching entail helping to steer them in the direction that God wants, said two synod participants.
Why do good things happen to bad people?
(Vatican Radio) God does not abandon the righteous, while those who sow evil are like strangers, whose names heaven remembers not. This is the lesson Pope Francis drew from the readings of the day at Mass Thursday morning in the chapel of the Casa Santa Marta in the Vatican.
Chaput: Synod must speak to global Church, not just West
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput said the Synod on the family must recognize global diversity while staying true to Church doctrine.
Pope Francis’ visit boosted the church. The pope himself? Not so much
By Cathy Lynn Grossman, Religion News ServicePope Francis’ first U.S. visit gave his already-high favourability ratings only a modest bounce with most Americans — and no bounce at all among Catholics.
More open approach can ease fear of Synod manipulation, cardinal says
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - Greater emphasis on small-group discussions and incorporating that work into the Synod's final draft document is helping alleviate any suspicion of the Synod being manipulated, said one of the four Synod presidents.
Pope Francis may travel to Mexico in 2016
By Rosie Scammell, Religion News ServiceVATICAN CITY - The Vatican said Tuesday (Oct. 6) that “concrete steps” were being taken to arrange a papal trip to Mexico, with reports Pope Francis’ visit could come in early 2016.
God wants his ministers to be merciful
Pope Francis has warned against having a hard heart that is closed to God’s mercy.
Pope says ministry to divorced, remarried is not only topic for synod
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY - As the discussion began at the world Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis urged members not to act as if the only question that mattered was the pastoral care of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics, his spokesman said.
Pope: Synod is not parliament, but place to listen to Spirit
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceThe world Synod of Bishops on the family is not a parliament where participants will negotiate or lobby, Pope Francis said, but it must be a place of prayer where bishops speak with courage and open themselves to “God who always surprises us.”
Pope's Homily at Opening Mass of the Synod of Bishops
The front of St. Peter’s Basilica was lined with green and scarlet as the Synod Fathers gathered around the altar for the opening mass of the Ordinary Synod of Bishops on the Family on Sunday presided over by the Holy Father, Pope Francis.
Fidelity, truth, love must guide church outreach to families, Pope says
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY — In a world filled with challenges to marriage and family life, the Catholic Church is called “to carry out her mission in fidelity, truth and love,” Pope Francis said at the Mass opening the world Synod of Bishops on the family.