Cardinal Fernández updates synod on study group focusing on women's roles
Pope Francis decided the question of ordaining women deacons was not to be discussed at the 2024 Synod of Bishops, and he directed a synod-related study group on women's ministries not to explore the matter, according to the Vatican's doctrinal chief.
Saints served generously, creatively, Pope Francis says at canonization Mass
Pope Francis called on the faithful to yearn to serve, not thirst for power, as he proclaimed 14 new saints, including Canada-born St. Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 11 martyrs.
Cardinal calls for communion, continued action as synod nears end
As members of the Synod of Bishops entered the last week of their meeting in Rome, the synod's secretary-general urged them to resist the temptation of "covetousness" -- the desire "to keep everything for ourselves, to possess, to hoard, to define, to close."
Vatican statistics show decline in baptisms, clergy, religious, worldwide
The number of Catholics and permanent deacons in the world rose in 2022, while the number of seminarians, priests, men and women in religious orders, and baptisms declined, according to Vatican statistics.
Pope Francis meets former Israeli and Palestinian officials promoting peace
Pope Francis met a former prime minister of Israel and a former Palestinian foreign minister who believe they have a workable peace plan for the Holy Land.
Blessed Paradis among 14 new saints
The celebration of World Mission Sunday will see Pope Francis declare Canadian Blessed Marie-Léonie Paradis, founder of the Little Sisters of the Holy Family, and 13 others as new saints.
Pope Francis hears testimonies from transgender and intersex Catholics
Pope Francis met with a group of transgender and intersex Catholics, along with LGBTQ+ allies and a medical doctor specializing in transgender healthcare, during a nearly 90-minute audience at his residence, the Domus Sanctae Marthae.
Synod begins looking at institutional changes to promote synodality
If members of the Synod of Bishops are serious about sharing their experience of "synodality" with all members of the Catholic Church, then they must identify concrete ways to do so, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich told members.
Pope Francis and Zelenskyy discuss repatriation of Ukrainian captives
Pope Francis and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met for the third time since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, focusing their discussion on the repatriation of Ukrainian nationals held in Russian captivity.
Synod seeks to expand consultations on women's ministry, diaconate
The Vatican group studying the question of women's ministry, including the ordination of women to the diaconate, will expand its consultative phase to include women who do not serve as consultors to the dicastery in charge of the study group, synod officials announced.
Vatican doctrinal chief tells synod it's not time for women deacons
"Rushing" to open the diaconate to women in the Catholic Church would short-circuit a necessary reflection on the relationship between ordained ministry and charismatic leadership, particularly as it impacts the participation of women in the church, said the head of the Vatican's doctrinal office.