Hawaii Catholic Herald

Newspaper of the Diocese of Honolulu

Study groups will revisit top synod topics

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  Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis has decided that some of the most controversial issues raised at the first assembly of the Synod of Bishops on synodality will be examined by study groups that will work beyond the synod’s final assembly in October. The possible revision of guidelines for the training of […]

Love is the only path to Christian unity, Pope Francis says

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service ROME — Divided Christians will draw closer to one another only by loving God and loving their neighbors, serving one another and not pointing fingers in blame for past faults, Pope Francis said. Closing the Week of Prayer for Christian Unity with an evening prayer service Jan. 25 at […]

Vatican optimistic about papal trip to Vietnam

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A papal visit to Vietnam would send a very good message to the Asian region, said Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican’s foreign minister. “There’s a few further steps to be taken before (a papal trip) would be appropriate,” he said, expressing optimism that such a […]

The pope’s 2023: Health challenges, travel, the synod

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By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ 2023 was a year of important trips made or postponed, a predecessor’s funeral and his own 10th anniversary as pope, a call to the world to act on climate change and a call to the Catholic Church to strengthen its mission by learning “synodality.” […]

Vatican office explains how, when gay couples can be blessed by priest

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  By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — A Catholic priest can bless a gay or other unmarried couple as long as it is not a formal liturgical blessing and does not give the impression that the Catholic Church is blessing the union as if it were a marriage, the Vatican doctrinal office […]

Francis calls on world leaders to fight climate change

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By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The future of humanity depends on what people choose now, Pope Francis said in his message to global leaders at the World Climate Action Summit of the U.N. Climate Change Conference. “Are we working for a culture of life or a culture of death?” he asked […]