Cardinal Andre Vingt-Trois of Paris leaves the morning session of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 9.

Synod on the family's dynamics recalls the Second Vatican Council

VATICAN CITY - Even before the start of the Oct. 5-19 Synod of Bishops on the family, observers were likening it to the Second Vatican Council of 1962-65.

Hindu holy men shout slogans and block a road during a protest against alleged violence against Hindus in Jammu, India, July 19. Leaders of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue said Hindus and Christians must work for a "culture of inclusio n for a just and peaceful society."

Christians, Hindus must seek 'culture of inclusion,' Vatican says

VATICAN CITY - Despite its many positive advancements, globalization also has brought about greater indifference, exploitation and suffering, said the leaders of the Pontifical Council for Interreligious Dialogue.

Pope Francis talks with a cardinal during the consistory for the canonization of Giuseppe Vaz and Maria Cristina dell'Immacolata Concezione in the Synod Hall at the Vatican Oct. 20. At the consistory, Pope Francis also discussed the Middle East.

Terrorism in Mideast has reached 'unimaginable proportions,' pope says

VATICAN CITY - The Middle East, especially Iraq and Syria, are experiencing "terrorism of previously unimaginable proportions" in which the perpetrators seem to have absolutely no regard for the value of human life, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis attends the morning session on the final day of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 18. At left is Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, and at right Cardinal Peter Erdo of E sztergom-Budapest, Hungary, relator for the synod.

Lessons from the Synod on the family

Pope Francis and senior Catholic leaders wrapped up their two-week Vatican summit on the challenges of modern family life on Oct. 19. They addressed a number of contentious issues. So where does that leave Francis’ papacy? And the Church? Here are six takeaways: 

Pope Francis bows in front of an icon of the Presentation of Jesus at the beginning of the beatification Mass of Blessed Paul VI in St. Peter's Square at the Vatican Oct. 19. The Mass also concluded the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family. Bless ed Paul, who served as pope from 1963-1978, is most remembered for his 1968 encyclical, "Humanae Vitae," which affirmed the church's teaching against artificial contraception.

Pope beatifies Blessed Paul VI, the 'great helmsman' of Vatican II

VATICAN CITY - Beatifying Blessed Paul VI at the concluding Mass of the Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis praised the late pope as the "great helmsman" of the Second Vatican Council and founder of the synod, as well as a "humble and prophetic witness of love for Christ and his church."

Pope Francis leaves the concluding session of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 18.

Synod ends by affirming tradition, leaving controversial questions open

VATICAN CITY - After several days of animated debate over its official midterm report, the Synod of Bishops on the family agreed on a final document more clearly grounded in traditional Catholic teaching. Yet the assembly failed to reach consensus on especially controversial questions of Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried and the pastoral care of homosexuals.

German Cardinal Walter Kasper, retired president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity, talks with Vatican Radio's Philippa Hitchen as he leaves the concluding session of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican O ct. 18. At right is Cardinal John Njue of Nairobi, Kenya.

Synod of Bishops sends message of encouragement to traditional families

VATICAN CITY - On its last day of business, the Synod of Bishops on the family approved and released a three-page message expressing solidarity with Christian families around the world.

The Sistine Chapel in the Vatican Museums is pictured in this March 9, 2013, file photo.

Endangered Sistine Chapel to be opened for outside fundraisers

VATICAN CITY - Despite worries about the impact of millions of tourists on Michelangelo’s precious frescoes, the Sistine Chapel is opening its doors for the first time to a new kind of tourist to support Pope Francis’ charities.

Pope Paul VI is depicted in a stained-glass window at St. Anthony of Padua Church in East Northport, N.Y. The pope will be beatified Oct. 19, the final day of the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family.

Paul VI was Pope of firsts, a Pope of dialogue, cardinal says

VATICAN CITY - Retired Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, who comes from the same diocese as Pope Paul VI did and worked for him in the Vatican Secretariat of State, described the late pope as a man rich in spirituality, a thinker and a pastor "very sensitive to the challenges of the modern world."

Children living in a squatters' area wait for a free meal consisting of rice, chicken and vegetables that is given out daily near Manila, Philippines.

Hunger in a world of wasted food is a tragic paradox, Pope says

VATICAN CITY - Providing food aid to people in need is not enough to eradicate world hunger, Pope Francis said.

Australian Cardinal George Pell, prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy, arrives for the extraordinary Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican.

Synod says no to 'secular agenda,' Cardinal Pell says

VATICAN CITY - Cardinal George Pell said working-group reports from the Synod of Bishops on the family finally give a true picture of the assembly's views, counteracting what he characterized as a misleading midterm report.

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