Synod is ‘leaving doors open’ for Pope Francis, says Puerto Rican archbishop

by Gerard O’Connell October 22, 2015

Archbishop Roberto Gonzàlez Nieves of San Juan is convinced the pope will have ‘the freedom to follow up’ on the questions that have emerged.

SYNODAL BLESSING. Pope Francis begins an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Oct. 17. The pope outlined his vision for a “listening church.”

Signs Of the Times

Francis Calls for Decentralization And ‘Conversion’ of the Papacy

by Gerard O’Connell October 21, 2015

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

Cardinal Thomas Collins of Toronto and Australian Cardinal George Pell talk after an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Oct. 17 (CNS Photo / Paul Haring).

Dispatches

The Vatican publishes third batch of reports on synod’s discussion from 13 language groups

by Gerard O’Connell October 21, 2015

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.

Pope Francis, leaders of the Synod of Bishops on the family and top officials attend event marking 50th anniversary of Synod of Bishops at Vatican, Oc. 17 (CNS Photo / Paul Haring).

Dispatches

Where Is the Synod heading?

by Gerard O’Connell October 20, 2015

Pope Francis believes in starting processes that can develop over time, and are not caught in the trap of having to get rapid results or immediate solutions.

Synod on the Family

A road map to the final week of the Synod on the Family

by Gerard O’Connell October 19, 2015

The synod’s handbook states that “a strong consensus or at least a two-thirds majority among those voting is required” for the approval of the final text.

Synod on the Family

Cardinal Wuerl calls out pope’s opponents

by Gerard O’Connell October 18, 2015

Cardinal Donald Wuerl has flatly denied the allegations by some of his fellow cardinals and bishops that the fathers attending the synod are “somehow” being manipulated by the pope

Pope Francis delivers his blessing during an event marking the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops in Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Oct. 17 (CNS Photo / Paul Haring).

Synod on the Family

Pope Francis reminds the Synod that he has the last word.

by Gerard O’Connell October 17, 2015

“A synodal church is a listening church … in which each one has something to learn.”

Archbishop Blase J. Cupich of Chicago arrives for a session of the Synod of Bishops on the family at the Vatican Oct. 14. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)

Synod on the Family

Cupich hears three words repeated at Synod: accompaniment, reconciliation, integration

by Gerard O’Connell October 16, 2015

He recalled that “one of the participants said he felt like one of the three kings, he’s going to go back home by a different way. And I think that is true for all of us.” Cupich believes the synod will have been a success if this indeed has been the impact on participants.