On his daily blog from the synod on the family, Archbishop John Dew has painted a picture of sharp divisions among synod members. – Originally reported 17 October 2014 On his October 15 posting from Rome, Archbishop Dew noted that there had been vigorous arguments in the small group discussions taking place this week. “The Read more
Robert Barron, the conservative bishop and founder of Word on Fire Institute, has reassured US Catholics that the forthcoming synod on synodality will not bring about significant doctrinal changes. Despite concerns about the potential outcomes of the synod, where a diverse group of bishops, priests and laity will convene to discuss the Church’s future, Barron Read more
The two-day meeting of all the world’s cardinals, which Pope Francis held on August 29-30, was something truly extraordinary for this pontificate — and not just because it was held, contrary to custom, in the sweltering heat of the late Roman summer. This was only the second time that Francis has convened the entire College Read more
The Vatican has denied reports that the Prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith was involved in financial irregularities. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi, SJ, confirmed investigations were being carried out in the CDF, led by Cardinal Gerhard Müller But the spokesman denied the cardinal’s involvement in any wrong-doing. “The superiors of Read more
Pope Francis has suggested a Lutheran spouse of a Catholic should “talk to the Lord” in discerning whether or not to receive Communion with her husband. Francis made the remark during a Q&A at a visit to Rome’s Evangelical Lutheran church on Sunday. A Lutheran woman said she is married to a Catholic man and Read more
A New York Times columnist has hit back at theologians and other academics who queried his professional competence to write on Catholicism. Last month, columnist Ross Douthat wrote several pieces about the synod on the family in Rome. He suggesting, among other things, that clear factions among the bishops have emerged, that Pope Francis favours Read more
In his closing address to the synod of bishops meeting about the family, Pope Francis said the gathering has been about overcoming closed hearts. Pope Francis said that the synod was not about settling all the issues to do with the family, but rather to see them in the light of the Gospel. He said Read more
Pope Francis has urged the synod on the family not to act as if the only question is pastoral care of divorced and civilly remarried Catholics. Francis said this in an unscheduled intervention during the second day of the synod in Rome. Vatican spokesman Fr Federico Lombardi told reporters that the Pope affirmed that “Catholic Read more
The Church’s doctrinal chief says the synod on the family faces a challenge in helping people in difficult situations while staying true to Jesus’ teaching. In a recent interview, Cardinal Gerhard Muller said the synod in October will need to deal with “the challenge of finding pastoral solutions to ensure a stronger integration of people Read more
A Jesuit theologian has scotched the notion that the Second Vatican Council was a pastoral council and did not propose new doctrines of the Church. Fr John O’Malley said this in an opening address to a conference on Vatican II at Georgetown University in Washington, DC. The conference was focused on the meaning and import Read more