In a letter to Catholics in the Middle East on the first anniversary of the Oct. 7 attack by Hamas on Israel, Pope Francis cited words from the Gospel of John that have sparked enmity toward Jews for centuries.

The Vatican agency, Fides, has published a brief overview on the global number of Catholics, permanent deacons, seminarians, and more.

The only way to counter the excessive impact that influencers have on the life of the church is to promote more critical thinking among the Catholic faithful, who must be able to recognize attempts to manipulate the faith for political and economic ends.

The Archdiocese of Los Angeles has reached an agreement in principle worth $880 million to compensate more than a thousand decades-old claims of childhood sexual abuse.

Christ calls us to join him in offering sacrifice to the Father. And this is not vain imitation. It is joyful participation.

Confusion at this stage in the synod may not be a bad thing. As Pope Francis has often said, the Holy Spirit first creates confusion and then brings harmony.