After the Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Hamas terrorist, Israel is now at war with Hamas and the security not only of Israel but of Jews worldwide is at stake. Many journalists, politicians and faith leaders have struggled with what to say either staying silent or releasing nebulous statements failing to assign moral responsibility. To navigate all of this we need firm moral principles, a sense of history and some clear-headed realism.
With 364 members and dozens of special guests having the right to speak at the assembly of the Synod of Bishops, accurately synthesizing the discussion will be a major undertaking.
Relative to its population, Canada is punching above its weight at the Synod on Synodality, currently in its second week in Rome.
Pope Francis makes clear: ‘the Church is here for you’
By FR. DAMIEN MACPHERSON, SA, Catholic Registger Special
With the completion of the opening days of the Synod on Synodality having taken place in Rome, a few observations can be offered.
Survivor: Abuse should be seriously addressed by the synod, or not at all
By Paulina Guzik, OSV News
While the doors of the Synod on Synodality, taking place in the Vatican Oct. 4-29, are closed to journalists and the public, a group of survivors of sexual abuse anxiously awaits news on how the assembly addresses the clerical sexual abuse that affected their lives so painfully.
A two-part special feature section exploring how the church brings light and hope to the dark places of addiction and human trafficking.
Synod participants discuss formation, building a welcoming church
By Justin McLellan, Catholic News Service
The formation of seminarians, the Catholic Church as a welcoming home for all, migration and ecumenism arose as common themes of discussion among participants of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops Oct. 6, the Vatican said.
Pope Francis opened the work of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops asking members to meditate on ancient theological texts about the Holy Spirit, have the courage to be honest about their disagreements and focus much more on listening than on sharing their opinions.
Pope Francis addresses fears around synod: 'Not a political gathering'
By Justin McLellan, Catholic News Service
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 said at the assembly's opening Mass.
Leading into the Synod of Bishops on Synodality’s first week, hopes were high that the almost four weeks of discussions will set the Church on a secure path for the future, despite today’s multiple competing perspectives and priorities.
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On retreat, synod members look at ways to accept, overcome differences
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
Knowing they would be wrangling with different opinions and that Catholics around the world had different hopes and fears for their work, the 364 full members of the assembly of the Synod of Bishops gathered for a retreat.
There’s a dynamism in engaging with the natural world, poet Maya Clubine believes.
'Synodality is a call from God for the church today,' says synod undersecretary
By Paulina Guzik, OSV News
The approaching world Synod of Bishops on Synodality aims to be a lesson on the "exchange of gifts," said Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Vatican's Synod of Bishops office and one of the highest ranking women in the Vatican.
Inside, outside: Synod to focus on the church and its role in the world
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service
When Pope Francis was introduced to the world from the central balcony of St. Peter's Basilica, he spoke to the crowd about taking up a journey, "bishop and people," a "journey of fraternity, of love, of trust among us."