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Washington, D.C. Newsroom, Oct 28, 2024 / 18:00 pm (CNA).

The president of the United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) has issued a statement inviting U.S. Catholics to pray with Pope Francis' latest encyclical on the Sacred Heart of Jesus. 

The Holy Father's fourth encyclical, Dilexit Nos ("He Loved Us"), issued on Oct. 24, calls for a renewed understanding of devotion to the Sacred Heart amid the challenges of today.

In his missive to U.S. Catholics, Archbishop Timothy Broglio writes: "The ills of modern society can read like a litany of uncurable diseases: consumerism, secularism, partisanism. Today, Pope Francis offers a simple and powerful cure: the Sacred Heart of Jesus."

"Within this devotion, we encounter the living heart of Jesus and the power to bring us together as children of God," Broglio writes.

"I invite you to spend time in prayer with this moving letter from the Holy Father," the archbishop says, citing a reminder from Pope Francis that "Jesus is now waiting for you to give him the chance to bring light to your life."

The archbishop concludes by urging the faithful to follow the encouragement of Pope Francis to "speak of Christ, by witness or by word, in such a way that others seek to love him." 

Broglio also observed that the Holy Father's message in Dilexit Nos should hold special weight among U.S. Catholics, pointing out that it "affirms a message of our own National Eucharistic Revival that in the Eucharist we discover the 'immense love of the heart of Christ.'" 

Begun in 2022 as a "grassroots response of the Church in the United States," the nationwide movement saw over 60,000 pilgrims from across the country joining together for the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis this past summer.

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ACI Prensa Staff, Oct 28, 2024 / 18:40 pm (CNA).

Pope Francis has decided to cut the salaries of the cardinals working at the Vatican again, a measure that will take effect Nov. 1.

According to the Italian ANSA news agency, layman Maximino Caballero Ledo, the prefect of the Secretariat for the Economy, informed the cardinals of the Holy Father's decision in a letter dated Oct. 18, almost a month after another letter from Pope Francis on the subject.

Specifically, the cut in salaries or stipends will be in two areas: the "secretarial bonus" and the "office compensation," two methods that were part of the monthly allowances and that will no longer be paid.

Although the Vatican does not specify how much a cardinal working in the Vatican receives, ANSA indicated that it is approximately 5,500 euros a month (about $65,000 a year). With the current cut, that amount would decrease by about 500 euros ($540). 

In his letter to the cardinals, Caballero also pointed out that there are "other measures, which are being studied by the competent bodies," and that "will require the contribution of everyone."

Caballero also indicated that he trusts that this measure "will be welcomed in the most authentic spirit of cooperation for the good of the Church."

In a September letter, Pope Francis indicated to the cardinals that "further effort is needed, on the part of everyone, so that the 'zero deficit' is not just a theoretical objective but an actually achievable goal."

The Italian daily Il Messagero notes that, together with the decrease in donations from Peter's Pence, the cost to keep paying the salaries of the 4,000 Vatican employees amounts to about 10 million euros ($10.8 million) per month. (An average of about $32,400 a year per employee).

The Vatican's latest budget put the deficit at 83 million euros ($89.7 million).

According to the Spanish newspaper Europa Press, this cut in the cardinals' salaries will allow them to "save 180,000 euros ($194,000) a year, a symbolic figure and a gesture that lays the groundwork for being able to ask other senior Vatican officials to make sacrifices."

The previous salary cut for cardinals

In March 2021, Pope Francis decided to reduce the salaries of cardinals serving in the Vatican by 10% in order to "safeguard current jobs" and guarantee "an economically sustainable future."

At the time, the Holy Father explained that the salary reduction was justified "in view of the deficit that has characterized the financial management of the Holy See for several years" and "taking into account the worsening of this situation following the health emergency caused by the spread of COVID-19, which has negatively affected all sources of income of the Holy See and the Vatican City State."

The measure went into effect on April 1, 2021.

In addition, in March 2023, Pope Francis decided to eliminate the possibility for cardinals and other senior Vatican officials to use free of charge or at advantageous rates housing owned by the Holy See.

This story was first published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner. It has been translated and adapted by CNA.

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CNA Staff, Oct 28, 2024 / 14:10 pm (CNA).

The Los Angeles Dodgers and the New York Yankees are currently going head to head in this year's World Series. The last time the two popular teams faced each other on baseball's biggest stage was in 1981.

As baseball fans across the country watch the series unfold, Archbishop José Gómez of the Archdiocese of Los Angeles and Cardinal Timothy Dolan of the Archdiocese of New York are also taking part in the excitement as they root for their home teams.

On Oct. 25, the two Catholic prelates announced a friendly wager involving New York-style bagels being sent to Gómez if the Dodgers win and Randy's Donuts being sent to Dolan if the Yankees win.

Additionally, they are encouraging their respective followers to take part by making donations to Baseball Unites, a site that will direct funds to both the John Cardinal O'Connor School in New York and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Catholic Education Foundation. Whichever team wins the World Series will earn its Catholic educational institution 60% of what's raised and the losing team will receive 40%. 

"I'm grateful to my brother, Archbishop Gómez, for agreeing to this friendly wager," Dolan said in a press release. "I'm looking forward to three things: 1. A great World Series with the Yankees winning their 28th Championship; 2. Enjoying Randy's Donuts; 3. Raising awareness of and support for the John Cardinal O'Connor School and the Catholic Education Foundation of Los Angeles."

"This is going to be a great World Series," Gómez said. "Baseball truly unites us as a country, but in every contest there has to be a winner, and that will be the Dodgers!" 

"I know my friend Cardinal Dolan is a good sport, and I'm going to enjoy the New York bagels that he will be sending me," the archbishop continued. "I'm also grateful for this chance to highlight the great work of our Catholic schools in L.A. and New York and across the country. I have already made my donation, and I encourage everyone to enjoy the series and support the great mission of Catholic education. Go Blue!"

The John Cardinal O'Connor School was established to provide an affordable, Christ-centered, language-based academic curriculum for children in second through eighth grade with learning disabilities, speech or language impairments, or learning differences.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles' Catholic Education Foundation was established in 1987 and provides tuition assistance to needy students attending Catholic elementary and high schools in the archdiocese. Since its founding, it has provided more than 230,000 tuition awards in excess of $264 million. 

Gómez made a similar wager with the archbishop of Cincinnati in 2022 when the Los Angeles Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals in Super Bowl LVI. 

The Los Angeles Dodgers currently lead the best-of-seven-games World Series 2-0.

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London, England, Oct 28, 2024 / 11:15 am (CNA).

A leading archbishop from Wales said he is "pleased" that the Welsh assembly has rejected a motion to legalize assisted suicide, highlighting support for the "most vulnerable." 

The motion in the Welsh Parliament, known as the Senedd, proposed a new law to legalize assisted dying in Wales and England, but it was defeated 26-19 on Oct. 23. First Minister Eluned Morgan and Health Secretary Jeremy Miles were among those to vote against the motion. 

Welcoming the outcome, Archbishop Mark O'Toole of Cardiff-Menevia said: "Support of the most vulnerable in our society, so clearly threatened by the proposed law, is good to see. I was very pleased to see that the majority in the Senedd voted against a motion which encouraged assisted suicide legislation."

Catholic minister Delyth Jewell, deputy leader of Plaid Cymru, also spoke out against the motion, saying: "My fear with this motion, my terror, is not so much with how it will begin but how it will end."

Jewell shared that an assisted-dying law would leave disabled and vulnerable people with "no choice but to end their life," saying: "For many disabled people or people who are not close to their family, people who are worried, anxious, and lonely, it would leave them to feeling they have no choice but to end their life."

The result comes prior to a vote on Kim Leadbeater's assisted suicide bill Nov. 29, which proposes to legalize assisted suicide in England and Wales. While the Senedd does not have power to introduce the legislation, the vote was symbolic and viewed as a guide on how Wales will vote in the Leadbeater bill. 

The rejection of the Welsh motion is seen as significant because it shows the Welsh Assembly, including its leader, rejects an assisted suicide regime on Wales.

O'Toole urged Catholics to not rest on their laurels but to take an active part in speaking out against the Leadbeater bill. 

"I continue to encourage all Catholics to write to their MPs [members of Parliament] to express their concerns about the proposed law currently before the U.K. Parliament and to encourage them not to vote for it," he said.

The archbishop's comments came as Bishop Philip Egan of Portsmouth delivered a stark warning that legalizing assisted dying in England and Wales would be like welcoming Adolph Hitler's Nazi "ideology."

In a pastoral letter titled "Thou Shalt Not Kill," addressed to parishioners in the Diocese of Portsmouth, Egan wrote: "To permit killing is wrong. It would be a shift of historic significance. It would be to capitulate to the very ideology Britain fought against in the Second World War."

Egan was referring to Hitler's promotion of the rights of the strong to dominate the weak by any means necessary during the Second World War — including violence and murder — and founded an ideology that led to the murder of millions.

Egan underlined the consequences of legalizing assisted suicide. "'Thou shalt not kill' is an instinctive principle written into every human heart," he wrote.

"If we yield to [assisted dying] and permit killing, we will cross a line from which there is no return. Like using nuclear weapons, once deployed, it's too late; there's only escalation."

He continued: "It would darken the atmosphere of medical wards that care for the elderly, and it would inexorably lead to euthanasia, the right to make another person die, when difficult cases need to be decided by consultants and relatives, or lawyers and the courts."

Meanwhile, U.K. pro-life groups were quick to welcome the landmark decision in Wales. 

Right to Life UK spokesperson Catherine Robinson said: "This vote shows that the Welsh Parliament clearly rejects the imposition of assisted suicide on Wales from Westminster, with fewer than a third of Senedd members voting in favor."

"Legalizing assisted suicide presents an acute threat to vulnerable people, especially in the context of an overstretched health care system," Robinson continued. "The U.K. must prioritize properly funded, high-quality palliative care for those at the end of their life, not assisted suicide."

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Vatican City, Oct 27, 2024 / 11:40 am (CNA).

In his Angelus address on Sunday, Pope Francis remembered Father Marcelo Pérez, a priest recently murdered in the violence-stricken region of Chiapas, Mexico.

The pope called the slain priest "a zealous servant of the Gospel and God's faithful people" and said he joined the local diocese of San Cristóbal de las Casas, Mexico, in mourning his loss.

"May his sacrifice, like that of other priests killed for fidelity to the ministry, be a seed of peace and Christian life," Francis said.

Pérez was shot and killed on Oct. 20 after celebrating Mass. Described by his diocese as a "tireless apostle of peace," Pérez's murder came amid his ongoing efforts to defend local communities from violence and injustice.

His work had drawn serious threats; the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) had issued precautionary measures for Pérez's protection since 2015 due to "the constant risk to his life and personal safety" because of "his work in defense of human rights."

Pérez's murder marks the latest in a disturbing pattern of violence against clergy in Mexico. According to the Catholic Multimedia Center, 36 Catholic priests have been killed in Mexico since 2013.

Appeal for peace and human dignity

Speaking from a window of the Apostolic Palace overlooking St. Peter's Square, Pope Francis asked people to continue praying for peace in the world, particularly in Ukraine, Palestine, Israel, and Lebanon. He called for an end to escalation and urged "respect for human life, which is sacred."

"The first victims are among the civilian population. We see it every day," Francis said. "Too many innocent victims. We see every day images of slaughtered children — too many children! Let us pray for peace."

The pope also pointed to the upcoming international conference hosted by the Red Cross in honor of the 75th anniversary of the Geneva Conventions. The pope expressed hope that the event will "awaken consciences" and reinforce the importance of respecting human dignity during times of conflict. He lamented the destruction of civilian facilities in war zones, including hospitals and schools, and urged adherence to international humanitarian law.

Catholic-Jewish relations

Pope Francis took the opportunity to reflect on the Church's role in interfaith dialogue as he marked the 50th anniversary of the Catholic Church's Commission for Religious Relations with Judaism created by St. Paul VI. He also looked ahead to next year's 60th anniversary of Nostra Aetate, a Vatican II declaration that significantly advanced Catholic-Jewish relations.

"Especially in these times of great suffering and tension, I encourage those who are committed locally to dialogue and peace," he said.

The importance of charity

In his reflection on Sunday's Gospel, Pope Francis underlined the importance of charity. "When you approach a poor person and take action, it is Jesus who approaches you in the person of that poor person," he said.

"The one who receives the most grace from almsgiving is the one who gives it because he is being watched by the eyes of the Lord," he added.

Prayer for the Philippines

The pope also offered prayers for the Philippines, where Tropical Storm Trami recently caused severe flooding, leaving at least 82 people dead, according to the Associated Press.

"I am close to the people of the Philippines affected by a very strong cyclone. May the Lord sustain that people so full of faith," he said.

Synodality and the future of the Church

Pope Francis prayed the Angelus shortly after presiding over the closing Mass for the Synod on Synodality's second assembly in St. Peter's Basilica. The synod assembly, which began on Oct. 2, focused on the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission."

The assembly represented a significant phase in the Church's global synodal process, initiated three years ago. Over the last month, synod delegates produced a 52-page final document outlining recommendations for Church renewal, including proposals for expanded women's leadership roles, greater lay participation in decision-making, and significant structural reforms.

"Today we have concluded the Synod of Bishops," Pope Francis told the crowd in St. Peter's Square. "Let us pray that everything we have acted on this month will go forward for the good of the Church."

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Rome Newsroom, Oct 27, 2024 / 07:00 am (CNA).

On Saturday, Pope Francis made the unprecedented decision to accept the final document from the Synod of Synodality as authoritative Church teaching. 

The 52-page text includes a theological reflection on the nature of synodality, which it says is the fulfillment of the reforms of Vatican II, as well as proposals for how to apply synodality to relationships, structures, and processes within the Catholic Church. 

The end goal is to make the Church more effective at evangelization by making it more participatory and inclusive. 

Here are answers to the big questions about the Synod on Synodality's final document: 

1. How did Pope Francis make this document magisterial?

Pope Francis immediately approved the final document after synod members voted on it. According to reforms he made in 2018, the Synod on Synodality's final text is therefore part of his ordinary magisterium.

This decision is a break from previous practice, which usually sees the pope use a synod's final document as a basis for drafting his own apostolic exhortation on the topic (think Amoris Laetitia, after the 2015 Synod on the Family). The fact that a synod body whose membership was 27% non-bishops just produced a magisterial text will certainly leave theologians and canonists with much to talk about. 

2. How does the document relate to Vatican II? 

The document says that the Synod on Synodality was the product of "putting into practice what the Council taught about the Church as Mystery and the Church as People of God."

Therefore, the document says, the synodal process "constitutes an authentic further act of the reception" of Vatican II, "thus reinvigorating its prophetic force for today's world."  

3. What does the final report say about the role of women in the Church (including so-called "deaconesses")? 

The final text says that women "continue to encounter obstacles" in living out their "charisms, vocation and roles" in the Church.

The synod calls for women to be accepted into any role currently allowed by canon law, including leadership roles in the Church.  

Regarding the question of "women's access to diaconal ministry," the text says the question "remains open" and that "discernment needs to continue." A separate Vatican study group is currently considering that topic, with its final report expected in June 2025.  

4. What did the text say about "decentralization?" 

The document calls for episcopal conferences to play a greater role in enculturating the faith in their local context and asks for clarification about their current level of doctrinal authority. However, it does emphasize that bishops' conferences cannot override a local bishop's authority nor "risk either the unity or the catholicity of the Church." 

The document also calls for more plenary and provincial councils, and for the Vatican to accept these bodies' conclusions more speedily. 

5. Does the text mention LGBTQ inclusion? 

While it does condemn the exclusion of others because of "their marital situation, identity or sexuality," the text doesn't use the term "LGBTQ."

6. What does the final document say about changes in Church decision-making? 

The final document calls for a "synodal" reform of canon law, including removing the formula that consultative bodies have "merely a consultative" vote. It calls for the greater participation of lay people in "decision-making processes," and to do so through new synodal structures and institutions. 

Church authorities, the document states, may not ignore conclusions reached by consultative, participatory bodies.

7. What does the document say about the "sensus fidei?" 

The document describes the sensus fidei as the "instinct for truth of the Gospel" received through baptism. It also notes that the People of God cannot err "when they show universal agreement in matters of faith and morals." 

Interestingly, the final document does not include additional language about the need for "authentic discipleship" to maturely exercise the sensus fidei, which was included in last year's synthesis document and is found in an important Vatican document on the subject.

8. In what concrete ways might the Church change after the Synod on Synodality?  

Depending on how it's implemented, the Synod's final document could concretely impact everything from how bishops are selected to how governance decisions are made in parishes, dioceses, and the Vatican, with a greater emphasis on widespread consultation. It could also create new synodal bodies, like continental assemblies and a council of Eastern Catholic leaders to advise the pope. 

9. Which paragraphs received the most pushback? 

Over 27% of delegates voted against continuing to explore the possibility of women deacons.  

13% voted against the paragraph emphasizing the significance of episcopal conferences, which also appears to bind a bishop to decisions made by his conference. 

12% voted against establishing a study group to look into making liturgical celebrations "more an expression of synodality," including what may be a reference to lay preaching during the liturgy. 

And 11% of delegates opposed the proposal to revise canon law "from a synodal perspective."

10. One more time: What does synodality mean? 

The final document describes synodality as "a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables the Church to be more participatory and missionary, so that it can walk with every man and woman, radiating the light of Christ."  

The model of synodality, the document states, is Mary because she "listens, prays, meditates, dialogues, accompanies, discerns, decides and acts."

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Rome Newsroom, Oct 26, 2024 / 16:48 pm (CNA).

In a significant departure from previous synods, Pope Francis adopted the final document of the Synod on Synodality on Saturday, foregoing the traditional apostolic exhortation in favor of direct implementation of the assembly's conclusions.

The 52-page document, approved by 355 synod members in attendance, outlines substantial proposals for Church renewal.

The proposals include expanded women's leadership roles, greater lay participation in decision-making, and significant structural reforms.

Key Developments

The document emerges from a two-year consultative process that began in 2021, incorporating 1,135 amendments from both collective and individual submissions.

Compared to its 2023 predecessor, the text presents more concrete recommendations and clearer structural guidelines.

The final document is organized into five main sections and calls for five forms of conversion: spiritual, relational, procedural, institutional, and missionary.

Structural Reforms

Among the most significant proposals is a call for strengthening pastoral councils at parish and diocesan levels.

The document advocates for regular ecclesiastical assemblies across all Church levels — including continental —and heightened ecumenical dialogue.

The text introduces the concept of synodal authority while acknowledging that in "a synodal Church, the authority of the Bishop, of the Episcopal College and of the Bishop of Rome in regard to decision-taking is inviolable."

"Such an exercise of authority, however, is not without limits," the document adds.

On this view, the text calls for a revision in canon law, "clarifying the distinction and relation between consultation and deliberation and shedding light on the responsibilities of those who play different roles in the decision-making process."

Women's Leadership

In a notable development, the document explicitly states there is "no reason or impediment" to prevent women from assuming leadership roles in the Church.

Furthermore, "the question of women's access to diaconal ministry remains open," and that discernment should continue.

The text advocates for increased female participation in clergy formation and broader involvement in Church decision-making processes.

Lay Participation

The document significantly expands the role of lay faithful in Church governance. It calls for their increased presence in synodal assemblies and all phases of ecclesiastical decision-making.

New procedures for selecting and evaluating bishops and expanded lay participation in diocesan leadership and canonical processes are proposed.

Implementation Phase

While Pope Francis has declared the synodal path "completed," the document emphasizes that a crucial implementation phase lies ahead. This next stage will focus on integrating synodality as a "constitutive dimension of the Church."

The text also addresses accountability measures, calling for enhanced financial transparency and protocols for abuse prevention, declaring: "The need within the Church for healing, reconciliation and the rebuilding of trust has resounded at every stage of the synodal process."

Background

The document represents the culmination of one of the most extensive consultative processes in Church history, building on both the 2023 assembly's work and the broader synodal journey initiated by Pope Francis in 2021.

The exercise aimed to balance traditional Church teaching with contemporary pastoral needs while promoting greater inclusivity and transparency in Church governance.

This article was originally published by ACI Prensa, CNA's Spanish-language news partner, and has been translated and adapted for CNA.

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Vatican City, Oct 26, 2024 / 11:00 am (CNA).

As the second session of the Synod on Synodality draws to a close, U.S. bishops serving as delegates to the synod shared their insights and experiences in a series of interviews this week with EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro, Matthew Bunson, and Father Thomas Petri, OP.

"We walk together and, of course for us, we walk together with Christ," Archbishop Timothy Broglio, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, told EWTN News. "We're really all in charge; we all make up the Church, we're all the living stones."

Broglio, who is also the archbishop of the Archdiocese for the Military Services, USA, stressed that this co-responsibility must begin at the parish level before it can effectively manifest at the diocesan level.

Archbishop William Lori of Baltimore, USCCB vice president, emphasized that synodality primarily concerns the Church's "interior culture" and how Catholics discern God's will together.

"It's more about ... listening to the Lord and to his word, and to the Church and to tradition; listening to one another [and] understanding what authentic aspirations are," Lori explained.

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, described synodality as requiring a "conversion to a sense of the style and manner of Jesus." At the same time, Bishop Kevin Rhoades of Fort Wayne-South Bend, Indiana, emphasized that synodality serves the Church's fundamental mission of evangelization.

"The end is the mission — it's bringing the truth and beauty of the Gospel, this message of salvation in Christ — to the world," Rhoades said. "Synodality is not the end. It's a means towards the end."

Global perspective

The bishops highlighted how their interactions with delegates from around the world deepened their appreciation for the universal Church's challenges and vitality.

Broglio described enlightening discussions with a bishop from Nepal, where Christians face significant restrictions, including requirements for conversion affidavits.

During a break in the synod, Lori visited Ukraine, meeting with war widows and mothers who lost sons in the conflict. Despite tremendous suffering, he witnessed "tremendous faith and resiliency."

Looking ahead, the bishops emphasized practical applications of synodality in their dioceses. Lori noted that while cultural change doesn't happen overnight, many dioceses have already begun implementing more collaborative approaches to Church governance.

Rhoades pointed to existing structures like parish pastoral councils and presbyteral councils as vehicles for implementing a more synodal approach. "It's about really taking these councils seriously," he said.

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CNA Newsroom, Oct 26, 2024 / 14:03 pm (CNA).

In a striking departure from usual practice, Pope Francis announces he will not issue a postsynodal apostolic exhortation, choosing instead to directly implement the Synod on Synodality's final document.

"What we have approved in the document is enough," the pope declares, marking a historic shift in how synodal reforms will be implemented in the Catholic Church.

As the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops concludes its second and final session, this step signals a new phase in the Church's synodal journey.

Today's key events:

• Pope adopts synod document without traditional papal exhortation

• Final document published today

• Pope announces continued listening process with bishops and local Churches

• Ten study groups to continue work on specific reform proposals

The story so far

Oct. 26: 'We walk together': U.S. bishops reflect on last global session of Synod on Synodality

As the second session of the Synod on Synodality draws to a close, U.S. bishops serving as delegates to the synod share their insights and experiences in a series of interviews this week with EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro, Matthew Bunson, and Father Thomas Petri, OP.

The bishops highlighted how their interactions with delegates from around the world deepened their appreciation for the universal Church's challenges and vitality, reports Kristina Millare.

Oct. 25: 'Not over the hump yet': Synod delegates anxiously await the final document

For those concerned about making sure the Synod on Synodality doesn't open the way to contested changes in Church teaching and practice, the draft version of its final document appears to be good enough.

But it might not stay that way: 1,000 amendments to the text are currently being incorporated into the final document by a small writing team overseen by a commission of synod members.

That text, in turn, will be read to delegates tomorrow, Saturday, who will then vote on it that evening, paragraph by paragraph, before its final approval, writes Jonathan Liedl for the National Catholic Register.

Oct. 25: Cardinal Fernández: Female diaconate will be studied 'more intensively'

The prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith announces more in-depth study into the differences between holy orders and authority in order to be able to entrust laywomen with leadership functions in the Church.

Cardinal Victor Fernández makes the statement during a meeting with about 100 members, guests, and experts participating in the synod to hear their questions and proposals regarding the work of group 5, reports Almudena Martínez-Bordiú.

Oct. 24: Election of Vatican council charged with implementing synodality

Why are these members of a Vatican council poised to play an important role in implementing the results of the Synod on Synodality? Jonathan Liedl explains for the National Catholic Register what the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod is.

Oct. 24: From Rome to Ukraine: Archbishop Broglio discusses synod and global Church challenges

Archbishop Timothy Broglio explains the importance of balancing collaborative Church governance while maintaining the essential role of bishops in their dioceses. He also shares moving experiences of meeting bishops from regions like Nepal, where Christians are a small minority, and addresses current challenges facing military chaplains in Ukraine and Israel.

Reflecting on the synod, the president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) and archbishop for the Military Services, USA, shares insights with EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro and Matthew Bunson about this year's Synod on Synodality in Rome.

Oct. 24: Cardinal Czerny: Legacy of synod will be a 'refreshed' missionary Church

Cardinal Michael Czerny, prefect of the Dicastery for Promoting Integral Human Development, hopes the legacy of the Synod on Synodality launched by Pope Francis will be the renewal of the Catholic Church as the people of God who walks together to "better carry out the mission that Christ entrusted us" in modern-day society.

The Canadian cardinal tells EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro and Matthew Bunson: "The central insight of Vatican II is that we are all enjoying equal dignity as Christians by our baptism." Kristina Millare has more.

Oct. 23: As synod's end nears, progressives brace for disappointment

With hot-button issues sidelined and major changes seemingly off the table, progressive Catholics feel led astray by synod organizers' grand promises, writes Jonathan Liedl for the National Catholic Register.

Those who have advocated for things like women deacons and the acceptance of same-sex relations are bracing for a "final cold shower."

Oct. 22: In EWTN interview, Bishop Rhoades reflects on synod progress

In a wide-ranging conversation with EWTN News hosts Catherine Hadro and Matthew Bunson, Fort Wayne-South Bend Bishop Kevin Rhoades reflects on the synod's evolving dialogue, the role of women in the Church — and shares expectations as the assembly flows toward its culminating document this week.

Oct. 22: African bishops speak: How has the Synod on Synodality impacted the Church in Africa?

Father Don Bosco Onyalla, editor-in-chief of ACI Africa, CNA's news partner in Africa, tells CNA in an interview that the theological concept of synodality "where people come together" is a reality and tradition that is already lived among Catholics across the continent. And what are African prelates saying about the gathering in Rome? Kristina Millare reports.

Oct. 21: Fernández: Diaconate 'is not today' the answer for promoting women in Church leadership

Cardinal Víctor Fernández reaffirms Pope Francis' position against women's access to the diaconate, an issue that will continue to be evaluated by a specialized commission while the Synod on Synodality continues to reflect on the role of women in the Church outside of ordained ministry. Almudena Martínez-Bordiú has more.

Oct. 21: Special coverage LIVE from the Vatican

Watch the EWTN News special from the Vatican covering the last week of the Synod on Synodality. Hosts Catherine Hadro; Father Thomas Petri, OP; and Matthew Bunson analyze the latest developments from the synod with special guests.

Oct. 20: Pope Francis presides at canonization Mass for 14 new saints

Pope Francis canonizes 14 new saints, including a father of eight and Franciscan friars killed in Syria for refusing to renounce their faith and convert to Islam.

Presiding over a Mass in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, the pope declares three 19th-century founders of religious orders and the 11 "Martyrs of Damascus" as saints to be venerated by the global Catholic Church, commending their lives of sacrifice, missionary zeal, and service to the Church. Courtney Mares reports.

Oct. 20: Cardinal Fernández promises follow-up meeting after controversial absence

Sources confirm to CNA over the weekend that there is significant frustration among synod delegates over Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández's absence from the Friday meeting about the study group on women's roles in the Church. This includes questions surrounding the possibility of female deacons, notes AC Wimmer.

How the meeting was conducted caused outrage, too, as paper slips with an email address were reportedly distributed.

Oct. 19: Synod, Zen, and Sinicization: Vatican's China deal sparks tensions 

Two prominent Catholics — Cardinal Joseph Zen of Hong Kong and American author George Weigel — level sharp criticisms at the Synod on Synodality, focusing particularly on the Vatican's approach to China.

The synod takes place against the backdrop of the ongoing debate over the diplomatic relationship between the Holy See and Beijing, particularly the Sino-Vatican deal on bishop appointments, AC Wimmer writes.

Oct. 19: Here's what's happening during the last week of the Synod on Synodality

After two and a half weeks, the last of two assemblies for the Synod on Synodality is now in its final stretch before officially concluding on Oct. 27.

As conversations on the agenda set by the Instrumentum Laboris, or working document, wrapped up last week, the focus going forward is on the writing and editing of the Synod on Synodality's final document. Hannah Brockhaus has more.

Oct. 18: Synod delegates urge young Catholics to learn how to listen to others in a polarized world

More than 30 students — most of whom were from the U.S. — from over 10 universities attend "The University Students in Dialogue with Synod Leaders," an event organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod held in the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. 

The event was moderated by four young staff members of the Synod on Synodality's communications team who presented questions to four guest panelists participating in the second global synodal session at the Vatican. Kristina Millare reports.

Oct. 17: Cardinal Bo calls for diocesan synods around the world

The head of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conference (FABC), Cardinal Charles Bo of the Archdiocese of Yangon, Myanmar, said diocesan synods are an effective means to "build a vision and mission" for local Churches.

The high-ranking prelate from the country also known as Burma tells journalists that synodality on a diocesan level is not a new concept for the Catholic Church, reports Kristina Millare.

Meet the 14 people who will be canonized saints this weekend

The Catholic Church's newest saints will include a priest whose intercession led to the miraculous healing of a man mauled by a jaguar, a woman who convinced a pope to call for a worldwide novena to the Holy Spirit, and 11 men killed in Syria for refusing to renounce their faith and convert to Islam. Courtney Mares reports.

Oct. 16: Synod proposal to 'decentralize' doctrinal authority met with major pushback

Decentralizing doctrinal authority, or deciding certain doctrinal questions at local levels rather than universally, has been seen as a pivotal step for those aiming to make dramatic changes to Catholic teaching, writes Jonathan Liedl for the National Catholic Register.

Oct. 16: Dutch cardinal advocates Christ-centered reform over controversial issues

A Dutch cardinal cautions against misguided reform efforts within the Catholic Church, warning that regional solutions to contentious issues could undermine the Church's credibility.

Cardinal Willem Jacobus Eijk, archbishop of Utrecht, emphasizes the importance of maintaining unity with the universal Church: "We must walk a common path and not deviate from the world Church," he said, reflecting Pope Francis' 2019 letter to German Catholics. "If unity in proclamation is lost, the Church loses its credibility," Eijk says.

Oct. 16: Australian archbishop: Synod on Synodality cannot 'reinvent the Catholic faith'

We cannot "reinvent the Catholic faith" or "teach a different Catholicism in different countries," Australian Archbishop Anthony Fisher, OP, of Sydney and a delegate at the Synod on Synodality tells EWTN News.

Should bishops' conferences "have the authority to teach a different Catholicism in different countries or to decide a different liturgy in different countries or different Mass for different countries? Do they bring their own local culture to questions in the area of morals, for instance?" Fisher says in his interview with "EWTN News Nightly" Associate Producer Bénédicte Cedergren.

Oct. 15: Cardinal from Amazon: 'Many of our women are true deaconesses'

Cardinal Leonardo Steiner, the archbishop of Manaus in Brazil who is participating in the Synod on Synodality, said during a daily press briefing at the synod on Tuesday that "many of our women are true 'deaconesses'" and pointed out that Pope Francis "has not closed the question" of the ordination of married men. Almudena Martínez-Bordiú has more.

The cardinal is known for being a defender of the poor, Indigenous people and is also considered "pro-LGBTQ." In the past he has stated that "there will be a way" to end mandatory priestly celibacy.

Oct. 15: Warning against fatigue from Church leader at Synod on Synodality

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich asks participants to maintain energy levels at the gathering, reports EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser for "EWTN News Nightly," as participants delve into the theme of "places," exploring relationships between cultures and diverse Church needs worldwide.

Meanwhile, Bishop Robert Barron, in an exclusive interview with EWTN's Colm Flynn, defined synodality as encompassing wider consultation, greater accountability, and transparency.

The synod's universal nature is highlighted by the presence of Eastern Catholic Churches, with Archbishop Fülöp Kocsis sharing insights on the richness of diverse experiences. Jonathan Liedl, senior editor for the National Catholic Register, points to a significant discussion on decentralization: The proposal under consideration could potentially grant national bishops' conferences more authority in doctrinal decision-making, marking a potential shift in the Church's governance structure.

Oct. 15: How 'special interest advocacy' works at the Synod on Synodality

Don't be surprised to see a fresh round of news stories about support for ordaining women at the Synod on Synodality. It's a reasonable expectation — writes Jonathan Liedl in his analysis for the National Catholic Register — given an advocacy group blasted out an email, obtained by the Register, inviting synod delegates to join them at an event promoting the cause.

In so doing, they are following a familiar script that's being used to influence the Synod on Synodality — or at least perceptions of it, he explains.

Oct. 15: 'Synodality Tent': A place to reflect on the presence of Latin America in the Church

"The Synodality Tent" is the title of an initiative promoted by the Amerindia Network and the Latin American Observatory on Synodality whose objective is to reflect on the presence of Latin America in the Catholic Church as well as to continue promoting the synodal process.

This place for encounter and dialogue, which also aims to offer an experience of faith, opened in Rome in the context of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, writes Almudena Martínez-Bordiú.

Oct. 12: Catholics invited to 'adopt' Synod on Synodality members

Prayer groups are sponsoring an online platform through which you can "adopt" a Synod on Synodality member to pray for during the month of October.

After submitting an email address on the webpage oremusprosynodo.org, the name of one of the 368 voting members of the 2024 meeting of the Synod on Synodality appears with the exhortation to pray for them. Hannah Brockhaus has more.

Should the Church be governed by gender-balanced synods?

At a theological forum held at the Jesuits' world headquarters in Rome this week, an influential canon lawyer argues that the Catholic Church should be governed by synods balanced according to gender, among other factors, and empowered to make decisions, not merely recommendations. Jonathan Liedl reports for the National Catholic Register.

Oct. 11: Pope Francis, synod pray where first Christian martyrs of Rome were killed

Pope Francis and Synod on Synodality participants pray together at the site of the first Christian martyrdoms in Rome on Friday evening.

As attendees hold candles with drip protectors imprinted with an image of the 15th-century painting "Mater Ecclesiae" ("Mother of the Church"), Pope Francis leads those present in praying the Our Father but does not give the meditation prepared for the event, Hannah Brockhaus reports.

Oct. 11: What happens when a Chinese bishop takes the floor for the first time at the synod?

Synod sources tell EWTN News that Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of the Diocese of Hangzhou spoke to synod participants about the history of Chinese Catholicism, China's agreement with the Vatican on the appointment of bishops, and cultural exchange. Andrea Gagliarducci has more.

Oct. 10: Pope Francis' Brazilian pick for cardinal calls for ordaining married priests

Archbishop Jaime Spengler, OFM, at a briefing for the Synod on Synodality confirms plans for a trial run of an Amazonian rite of the Mass and urges "openness" to the idea of married priests to serve certain communities.

The 64-year-old prelate, a descendant of German immigrants, is a prominent figure in the Church in his home country and throughout South America, heading both the Catholic bishops' conference of Brazil and the Latin American bishops' conference (CELAM), writes Hannah Brockhaus.

Oct. 10: Why is 'women's ordination' still dominating media coverage of the synod?

News media has a built-in tendency to downplay nuance and highlight novelty, and this is arguably accentuated at the Synod on Synodality, writes Jonathan Liedl for the National Catholic Register. Two synod members say synod communications head Paolo Ruffini overstated the strength of calls for "women's ordination." Read the full analysis here.

Oct. 10: Non-Catholic delegates put Christian unity in focus at Synod on Synodality

Three fraternal delegates — non-Catholic representatives of Christian churches participating in this year's session of the Synod on Synodality — take center stage at Thursday's Synod on Synodality press briefing held at the Vatican's Holy See Press Office.

Speaking about "the great importance of relationality" among Christian churches, Anglican Bishop Martin Warner of Chichester — co-chair of the English-Welsh Anglican-Roman Catholic Committee — speaks about the "sense of family" that has developed between the Catholic Church and the Church of England, particularly during the reign of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Kristina Millare reports.

Oct. 9: Synod debates on bishops, laypeople opened to public at theology forums

Synod on Synodality events open to the public give a glimpse Wednesday evening into the private debates happening among delegates and theological experts on the issues of a bishop's authority and his relationship to the laity in light of synodality.

Thomas Söding, vice president of the lay organization promoting the German Synodal Way, argued that bishops shouldn't control or dictate discipleship but should encourage diverse expressions of faith.

Italian canonist Donata Horak criticized the Roman Catholic Church's current structure as "monarchical" and out of step with democratic sensibilities. She suggested that the Latin Church adopt deliberative synods, as seen in Eastern Catholic churches, although she did not note that these do not allow lay voting, notes Hannah Brockhaus.

Oct. 9: Synod delegates look to St. John Henry Newman as theological guide

Australian Bishop Anthony Randazzo, a synod delegate and president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Oceania, says St. John Henry Newman famously showed "that the Church would look foolish without the laity" and should help ease fears that collaboration with the laity is heterodoxical.

"I think that this way of thinking should liberate us in the Church from believing that any one group or vocation alone drives the bus," the bishop of the Diocese of Broken Bay, Australia, emphasizes. Randazzo made a powerful statement against pushes for so-called "women's ordination," explains Jonathan Liedl for the National Catholic Register.

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Oct. 8: Catholic bishops from mainland China and Taiwan in dialogue at Synod on Synodality

In an interview with CNA, the first Indigenous bishop of Taiwan says he met with the two bishops from mainland China taking part in the synod and plans to meet with them again. "It's very important to dialogue with them, to respect each other. I think it's good … not only for the Chinese, for the whole Church," Bishop Norbert Pu of Taiwan tells Courtney Mares.

Oct. 8: Who is in charge of drafting the final document of the Synod of Synodality?

Paolo Ruffini, the synod's communications head, announces the 14 members of the Final Document Commission. The seven continental delegates are:

• Catherine Clifford, a theologian from St. Paul University in Ottawa, for North America

• Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo, president of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar, for Africa

• Father Clarence Davedassan of Malaysia is the pick from Asia

• Bishop Shane Mackinlay of Sandhurst, Australia, for Oceania

• Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, Colombia, for Central and South America

• Cardinal Jean-Marc Aveline of Marseille, France, for Europe

• Bishop Mounir Khairallah, a Maronite prelate, for the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Middle East

The other members include three direct picks from Pope Francis and four automatic appointments, writes Jonathan Liedl.

Oct. 8: Synod participants donate for Gaza parish

In a video played for journalists at the Holy See Press Office on Oct. 8, Gaza parish priest Father Gabriel Romanelli thanks synod participants for both prayers and financial help, because in Gaza, "everyone is in need of everything."

The pope's charity office announces that synod participants donated 32,000 euros (about $35,000) for the Catholic parish in Gaza from synod participants on Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.

The synod donations were combined with another 30,000 euros (about $33,000) from Pope Francis' charity coffers and sent to Holy Family Parish, the only Roman Catholic parish in the Gaza Strip, which is sheltering hundreds of Palestinian Catholics.

Oct. 7: Pope invites prayer for the Middle East as participants from that region begin week 2 of the synod

Since the beginning of the Synod on Synodality, synod delegates and participants have echoed Pope Francis' pleas for prayers and solidarity with communities across the war-ravaged region. As the second week of the synod gets underway, on the World Day of Prayer and Fasting held on the feast of Our Lady of the Rosary, Pope Francis addressed Catholics in the Middle East on the one-year anniversary of Hamas' attack on Israel. Kristina Millare has more.

Oct. 7: Women deacons off the table? Synod delegate claims 'some women sense a call to priesthood'

While the topic of "women deacons" is not formally up for discussion at the Synod on Synodality assembly this month, the official Vatican press conference for the synod showcases a female delegate who spoke about women experiencing "a call to priesthood," Courtney Mares reports.

Oct. 6: Pope Francis and synod participants pray rosary for peace

Invoking the intercession of the Virgin Mary for peace in the world amid an escalating conflict in the Middle East and the ongoing war in Ukraine, Pope Francis presides over a rosary prayer in Rome's Basilica of St. Mary Major on Sunday evening, Courtney Mares reports.

Oct. 5: A call for peace and an announcement of dialogue

A Lebanese bishop makes an impassioned plea for peace and forgiveness at the Synod on Synodality's daily press briefing on Saturday as the assembly's first week draws to a close.

Bishop Mounir Khairallah of Batroun shares his personal experience of violence and forgiveness, recounting how his parents were murdered when he was just 5 years old.

Meanwhile, a dialogue with study groups is announced for Oct. 18 after synod delegates vote for more interaction with the groups established by Pope Francis.

Oct. 4: What's behind the viral photo of Pope Francis venerating a chair?

Pope Francis sits before the historic relic of St. Peter's chair in the Ottoboni sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica after celebrating Mass in St. Peter's Square ahead of the second session of the Synod on Synodality. What is behind this viral image? Madalaine Elhabbal explains.

Oct. 4: Participants put spotlight on world's poor

Closing the first week of meetings, participants from different continents put a spotlight on the plight of the world's poor and vulnerable on the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi, Kristina Millare reports. 

The first week at the Synod on Synodality — revolution or much ado about nothing? 

Vaticanist Andrea Gagliarducci analyzes the first days of the gathering in Rome. He writes: "It seems clear that while the delegates may discuss many things over the next three weeks, nothing will be decided. There will be no doctrinal changes. No diminution of the role of the bishop. No rush to resolve the question of opening the diaconate to women." 

Oct. 3: Many voices to be heard 

Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the synod, says at a press conference that "every believer, man or woman, and every group, association, movement, or community will be able to participate with their own contribution" via the synod's 10 study groups.

Bishop Daniel Flores of Brownsville, Texas, tells journalists the work of participants in the second session of the Synod on Synodality is to find the "cohesive voice" that expresses the life of the Church.

Oct. 3: Cardinal Fernández rules out women deacons

Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, on Oct. 3 shuts down speculation regarding further theological study into the possibility of women being ordained as deacons. Father Giacomo Costa, special secretary of the synod, says this month's discussions held in the Vatican should serve as "laboratories of synodal life," Kristina Millare reports.

Oct. 3: Solving sexuality questions with 'contextual fidelity'?

A study group appointed by Pope Francis to explore a synodal approach to the Church's most debated issues — including sexual morality and life matters — proposes "contextual fidelity" and a "new paradigm" that downplays long-standing Church teaching, Jonathan Liedl notes. 

Oct. 2: Pope Francis calls for new ways for bishops to be 'synodal'

At the first meeting of the full assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Wednesday, Pope Francis says a bishop's ministry should include cooperation with laypeople and that the synod will need to identify "differing forms" of the exercise of this ministry.

Oct. 2: Pope Francis opens synod, warns against personal 'agendas'

Pope Francis opens the second and final session of the Synod on Synodality, which is meant to deepen the missionary perspective of the Church, explains EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser.

"Let us be careful not to see our contributions as points to defend at all costs or agendas to be imposed," the pope says at the synod's opening Mass on Oct. 2, Courtney Mares reports. The pontiff warns: "Ours is not a parliamentary assembly but rather a place of listening in communion."

Oct. 2: Looming questions about role of German 'synodality' 

"More candor about the motivations of the German Synodal Path and its vision of the Catholic future would be helpful in determining what, if anything, it has to offer the world Church at Synod 2024," comments George Weigel in the National Catholic Register.

Oct. 1: Penitential liturgy is held in St. Peter's Basilica; more than 500 people attend

On the eve of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis says the Catholic Church must first acknowledge its sins and ask for forgiveness before it can be credible in carrying out the mission Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church, Kristina Millare reports. 

Nine years ago, this papal speech set the 'synodality' machine in motion

Since Pope Francis' 2015 speech, synodality has grown from a theological concept into a guiding principle of Church governance. Analysis from Jonathan Liedl in the National Catholic Register.

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Washington D.C., Oct 26, 2024 / 09:00 am (CNA).

Leaders in Catholic health care are rallying behind critical policy initiatives to protect religious freedom in medical care, expressing concerns for the future of their industry should Vice President Kamala Harris be elected.

"The Biden administration, particularly through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and many state governments are engaged in an unprecedented assault on the civil rights of religious freedom and medical conscience rights," stated Louis Brown, executive director for Christ Medicus Foundation, at an event hosted by the Religious Freedom Institute (RFI) in Washington, D.C., on Thursday.

According to Brown, if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidential election and enacts the policy initiatives that her administration has campaigned on, there would be "a massive rollback in health care access nationwide," directly impacting the health and well-being of underserved communities in the U.S.

"Just days ago," he said, referring to comments made by the Democratic Party candidate during an NBC interview on Tuesday, "we heard Vice President Harris say that she does not believe in religious exemptions for abortion procedures."

"I don't think we should be making concessions when we're talking about a fundamental freedom to make decisions about your own body," Harris said when asked whether she would consider religious exemptions with respect to federal laws on abortion. 

"If these religious freedom violations are ultimately successful," Brown continued, "they would effectively destroy Catholic health care in the United States by making the practice of faithfully Catholic health care unlawful and illegal."

The United States Catholic Conference of Bishops (USCCB) reports on its website that there are currently 645 hospitals, 438 health care centers, 1,389 specialized homes, 105 orphanages, 853 day care centers, and 3,449 social services centers in the U.S. Catholic health care network, which assists more than 118 million patients per year.

In his remarks at the RFI gathering, Brown outlined seven key policy initiatives for safeguarding religious freedom and Catholic health care in the U.S. These include allowing faith-based providers equal opportunities to serve patients, enacting protections for human life and dignity, ensuring patients can access life-affirming care, rescinding harmful HHS mandates, and protecting the conscience and religious freedom rights of health care workers.

"When the God-given dignity and love for the human person and the love of God is at the center of health care, all Americans, especially the most vulnerable, are best positioned to live longer, happier, healthier, more joyful lives," Brown stated.

When asked how Catholics should consider potential concerns with a second Trump administration — such as his proposal for universal IVF coverage and its impact on Catholic providers — Brown highlighted the importance of voting "to do more good and limit evil." 

"I think for us as Catholics and as Catholic health care leaders, we have to be Catholic first," Brown said. "Whether it's law, whether it's medicine, health care, all these things, it's Catholic first, and any political support has to be secondary."

However, he continued, "at the same time, I think when it comes to these the plethora of human dignity issues, particularly in health care, I think the policies of Vice President Harris, they're absolutely abhorrent on human dignity across the board." 

"When it comes to the policies of the Trump administration, while very imperfect, [they are] superior on issues of human dignity in health care," he added. "Absolutely superior."

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