By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — After members of the Synod of Bishops approved their final document, Pope Francis announced that he would not write the customary post-synodal apostolic exhortation but would offer the final document to the entire church to implement. “There are already highly concrete indications in the document that […]
Study groups will revisit top synod topics
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 […]
THE SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
Pope addresses fears around meeting: ‘Not a political gathering’ By Justin McLellan Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops are not gathered in Rome to implement a “plan of reformation” but to walk together as a church that discerns God’s will for the present moment, Pope Francis […]
The assembly meets in 35 small mixed groups, speaking 5 languages
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The 364 members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops and the 85 experts, facilitators and ecumenical delegates accompanying them began their work in earnest Oct. 5, meeting, sharing and praying in small groups. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of the synod, introduced the work […]
Holy Spirit is guiding synod path, Vatican official tells LGBTQ group
By Julie Asher Catholic News Service WASHINGTON — The “main protagonist” in the Catholic Church’s two-year synodal process now underway “is the Holy Spirit, who is ready to guide us on this journey,” Xavière Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart told a U.S. audience April 3. “The aim of a synod is to foster communion and build […]
Respect for the indigenous
Ministry, ecology, mission are the main themes for the first week of the Synod for the Amazon By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — The first week of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon saw support for the priestly ordination of married indigenous men, impassioned pleas for respect for indigenous culture and […]
Tikuna man prepares to be first priest from Amazonian tribe
By Catholic News Service NAZARETH, Colombia — On a Sunday morning, Deacon Ferney Pereira was leading a prayer service in this small village’s Catholic Church. After reading a passage from the Gospel of Luke, the 30-year-old deacon stepped down from the altar, walked among his congregation and delivered an animated sermon in Tikuna, the language […]
Accurate reading of synod document shows nothing to fear, theologian says
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service ROME — It only takes an accurate, unbiased reading of the working document for the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon to see its aim to find new ways to evangelize the region does not stray from church tradition or the teachings of previous popes, said a Brazilian theologian. […]
Closing of synod, Pope apologizes to young people who have felt ignored by church
By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Speaking on behalf of all adult Catholics, Pope Francis formally closed the Synod of Bishops by asking young people for forgiveness. “Forgive us if often we have not listened to you; if, instead of opening our hearts, we have filled your ears. As Christ’s church, we […]
Young people want credibility, authenticity bishops say
By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Even in far-off Rarotonga in the Cook Islands, a bishop said a young person asked him what the church is doing to prevent clerical sexual abuse. “You would think in our isolation we would not hear about this topic,” said Bishop Paul Donoghue of Rarotonga, […]
