The synthesis report did not use the term “LGBTQ+” or even “homosexuality” and spoke only generally of issues related to “matters of identity and sexuality.”

Pope Francis' recent words to members of the synod on synodality included a strong condemnation of clericalism and a call to respect and honor of all baptized Catholics.

“It was a great blessing to be able to speak with him,” Sister Nabila Saleh said. “He gave us courage and the support of prayer.”

Published Oct. 15, the pope's letter is titled, "C'est la Confiance," the opening words of her phrase, "It is confidence and nothing but confidence that must lead us to Love."

As a superior general and then as a bishop, the cardinal said he had attended six previous synods, and this is “the most diverse synod I’ve ever participated in.”

The Catholic Church is called to be an instrument of communion, Anna Rowlands told synod participants. But it requires grace and “learning to ‘bear with’ reality, gently, generously, lovingly and courageously.“

The Catholic Church excommunicated Luther. The Lutheran Augsburg Confession calls the papacy the ‘anti-Christ.’ But both sides are hopeful about the future of Christian unity.

The Diocese of Rome said it had discovered “gravely anomalous procedures” that led to the brief excommunication of Father Marko Rupnik and his dismissal from the Jesuits after multiple allegations of abuse.

“This is what the pope is asking of us,” Cardinal-designate Christophe Pierre said. “We are not only defenders of ideas, because if I defend only one idea, whoever disagrees with me becomes my enemy.”

Without daily prayer and respect for the structure and unity of the church, “our strength will fail, and our pastoral work will risk becoming an empty delivery of services, a roster of duties that end up inducing only weariness and frustration,” Pope Francis said in Ulaanbaatar on Sept. 2.