Posts Tagged ‘2023 synod on synodality’

Pope signs a “sick note” for the youngest participant of the Synod

Monday, October 30th, 2023

Pope Francis has signed a “sick note” for the youngest participant of the Synod. 19-year-old Wyatt Olivas, an American student, half-jokingly drafted a letter explaining to his professors that he needed to recover from his work at the Vatican before resuming classes. With a smile, the Pope agreed to sign, writing “Francis” in his tiny Read more

Critics question structure and authority of Synod

Monday, October 30th, 2023
Synod

A dividing line has emerged at the Synod between those who believe this Synod, with its different process and the inclusion of lay delegates, marks a positive development and those who think it is a serious mistake. The Synod’s sceptics, who are not numerous but have been vocal, are questioning the status of the assembly: Read more

Listen to and trust the lay faithful, pope tells synod members

Monday, October 30th, 2023
lay faithful

The lay faithful are important Pope Francis told synod on synodality members last Wednesday. He emphasised they should respect and honour the faith of all baptised Catholics. This includes the women who trust “the holy, faithful people of God” and remain faithful even when their pastors act like dictators. “I like to think of the Read more

Francis wants the synod in every parish. Here’s how to bring it to yours.

Thursday, October 26th, 2023
synod

It is hard for result-oriented Americans to understand that, for Pope Francis, the synodal process is more important than any decision, report or document that comes out of it. We are eager to know what the synod will decide on specific issues like blessing gay couples, ordaining women as deacons or priests and authorising married Read more

Vatican summit tackles women’s ordination with a nod from Pope Francis

Thursday, October 26th, 2023
women's ordination

Discussions about women’s ordination to the priesthood have become livelier in the waning days of the synod on synodality, Pope Francis’ month-long summit to discuss pressing issues facing the church. While there’s a consensus that women’s roles need to be promoted, participants remain divided on how to achieve that goal. The Vatican’s synod, which started Read more

Pope Francis faces Church modernisation challenges, says Irish President

Thursday, October 26th, 2023
Irish President Higgins

Irish President Michael D Higgins believes Pope Francis faces a significant challenge in reforming the Catholic Church to be more inclusive, particularly towards women and the LGBTQ+ community. President Higgins (pictured with Pope Francis) expressed these sentiments after a private audience with the pontiff in the Vatican’s library. “He faces grave difficulties in the institution Read more

Pope could change catechism’s language on LGBTQ+ issues

Thursday, October 26th, 2023
catechism's language

A prominent theologian has said the pope has the power to change the catechism’s language regarding homosexuality. However, Austrian Cardinal Christoph Schönborn, who was involved in drafting the Catechism of the Catholic Church, has reinforced Church teaching on LGBTQ+ issues. Speaking at a press briefing during the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, Schönborn stated that Read more

Women’s ordination advocates rally at Vatican

Monday, October 9th, 2023
Women's ordination

Advocates for women’s ordination in the Catholic Church gathered in prayer and solidarity at the Basilica of St Praxedes in Rome during the historic Synod on Synodality. The Vatican has drawn the faithful from across the globe, including bishops and cardinals, for the month-long synod. The synod, arising from a comprehensive global consultation of Catholics, Read more

Synod aims to improve Church effectiveness

Monday, September 18th, 2023
Synod

According to US Bishop Daniel Flores, October’s Synod on Synodality aims to address human reality – not abstractions. Flores (pictured) is a member of the global assembly’s preparatory commission. He says the Synod aims to share Christ and his Gospel more effectively. We can’t respond with the Gospel if we don’t know the reality people Read more

Synodality could cause schism, predicts cardinal

Thursday, August 24th, 2023
schism

The synod on synodality could cause a schism in the Church, a leading conservative Catholic cardinal says. A new book, “The Synodal Process Is a Pandora’s Box: 100 Questions and Answers,” addresses the “serious situation” brought on by the synod, Cardinal Raymond Burke (pictured, centre) says. Pope Francis is risking confusion and even schism in Read more