The Vatican has postponed discussions on contentious doctrinal, ethical and pastoral issues until June 2025. It has redirected the focus of the upcoming synod towards synodality itself. The decision comes amidst growing anticipation about key matters such as women’s access to the diaconate and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich clarified that the Read more
Jean-Claude Hollerich, Cardinal of Luxembourg and member of the Council of Cardinals, has spoken out in favour of the possibility of marriage for priests. “There are people who find it difficult to live a celibate life. If you gave them the choice, you could attract a few more to the priesthood,” Hollerich told the Luxembourg Read more
At the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich emphasised the transformative potential of the openness and freedom experienced during the gathering. The Synod witnessed vigorous debates during small-group discussions. However Hollerich, a key figure in the month-long Vatican assembly, highlighted that even in the face of disagreements alternative solutions were found. “To Read more
The Vatican Synod’s first assembly in Rome has concluded, marking an essential milestone in the Catholic Church’s journey towards a synodal-style church. The recently published final document guides the church in the coming 11 months and, while not as concrete as some might like, it highlights the role of bishops in leading the change and Read more
Tensions have erupted within Pope Francis’ Vatican Synod on the future of the Catholic Church with reports of disagreements and delegates storming out of the room. The roughly 450 bishops and lay delegates involved in the October 4-29 Synod of Bishops have faced a series of disagreements. Principally, the participation of the laity and questions Read more
Speaking at the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich shared an introductory reflection on the “co-responsibility of the mission.” This is the subject of the third module, dedicated to section B2 of the Instrumentum laboris, or working document, which is being addressed starting today. B2 reads: “Co-responsibility in Mission: How can we better share gifts Read more
The Vatican Synod assembly, a month-long event determining the Catholic Church’s future, kicked off on October 4. As the 364 attendees gathered at 35 round tables in the grand Paul VI Audience Hall, the initial three days were an intriguing mix of experimentation and camaraderie. “If we act like Jesus, we will testify to God’s Read more
A newly named top adviser to Pope Francis believes that it might one day be possible to revisit Pope John Paul II’s prohibition on the ordination of women to the priesthood. Luxembourg Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, a leading organiser of the Vatican’s ongoing synod process, also said that the church’s language of describing LGBT persons as Read more
When Cardinal McElroy, the bishop of San Diego, proposed in a recent America essay that the church’s ongoing synodal process demonstrates a need to be more welcoming of women and L.G.B.T. people, he set off a wave of criticism from some bishops, priests and lay Catholics who believe the church should continue to defend its Read more
The archbishop of Luxembourg says he thinks the matter of Church blessings for same-sex unions is not a settled matter. The Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith has ruled against such blessings. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich SJ made the comment in response to a question about Belgium’s Catholic bishops supporting blessings for unions of same-sex Read more