In his closing speech, Pope Francis hit out hard at those who have sought to hinder his efforts.
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
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.
Posted inDispatches
Where Is the Synod heading?
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.
Posted inSynod on the Family
A road map to the final week of the Synod on the Family
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.
Posted inSynod on the Family
Cardinal Wuerl calls out pope’s opponents
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