“What we have lived through is a great reason for every Catholic to rejoice in the charism and the grace that is given to the Bishop of Rome.”
Gerard O’Connell
Gerard O’Connell is America’s senior Vatican correspondent and author of The Election of Pope Francis: An Inside Story of the Conclave That Changed History. He has been covering the Vatican since 1985.
Posted inSynod on the Family
Cardinal Wuerl tells ‘America’: “There’s huge support” for Pope Francis among the bishops
The pope has introduced “a far more open approach to addressing pastoral issues.”
Posted inSynod on the Family
Beware of a ‘spirituality of illusion,’ said Pope Francis
“Today is a time of mercy!” This was the parting message Pope Francis gave to the 270 synod fathers from some 120 countries at the closing Mass for the Synod on the Family in St. Peter’s Basilica, Oct. 25.He has made this same declaration several times since his election as pope on
Posted inSynod on the Family
The pope’s strong words for those who seek to block change in the church
In his closing speech, Pope Francis hit out hard at those who have sought to hinder his efforts.
Posted inSynod on the Family
The synod approves final document, leaves the door open for the pope to move forward on key issues
The synod significantly closed no doors.
Posted inSynod on the Family
Synod Fathers examine final document, some pushback on the question of conscience
There was general appreciation for the draft final text because the synod fathers recognized that it reflected faithfully what they had said in the group discussions.
Posted inDispatches
Pope establishes new Vatican congregation for the laity
The announcement is an important affirmation and recognition of the status of the laity and the family in the Vatican structure.
Posted inSynod on the Family
Synod is ‘leaving doors open’ for Pope Francis, says Puerto Rican archbishop
Archbishop Roberto Gonzàlez Nieves of San Juan is convinced the pope will have ‘the freedom to follow up’ on the questions that have emerged.
Posted inSigns Of the Times
Francis Calls for Decentralization And ‘Conversion’ of the Papacy
In his address to the synod on Oct. 17, Pope Francis emphasized the need to give new life to structures of synodality in the local churches worldwide. He confirmed his intention to promote greater “decentralization” in the church and to bring about “a conversion of the papacy.&rdqu
Posted inDispatches
The Vatican publishes third batch of reports on synod’s discussion from 13 language groups
These reports give some interesting insights into the positions taken by the 270 synod fathers, but they do not tell the whole story as the 13 groups submitted more than 500 amendments that can had a determining impact on the final text.