FAITH/STORIES
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.
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
By Barbara J. Fraser, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Barbara J. Fraser, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN 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.
Vatican publishes initial schedule for papal trip to Thailand, Japan
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Peace, interreligious dialogue and respectful missionary outreach will be the top themes when Pope Francis visits Thailand and Japan in late November.
Vatican suspends five employees following raid
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Vatican apparently has suspended five employees after raids on Vatican offices.
Pope Francis names Maltese bishop as pro-secretary of Synod of Bishops
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Mario Grech of Gozo, Malta, as pro-secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican said.