For the last decade we have tried to help counter the effects of ideological partisanship by breaking down the echo chambers it relies on; to host a different kind of discourse, a forum for a diversity of viewpoints.

It is crucial that church leaders are trained to be good communicators, which also means being good listeners. This training is especially important for priests, whose communications skills (or lack thereof) often set the tone for a parish.

As the first phase of the worldwide synod concludes, there is great opportunity to consider what graces have been poured out, what we have learned and how we can continue the momentum we have created.

As modern-day evangelists, C. S. Lewis and J. R. R. Tolkien are simply unrivaled.

When we look at what is missing from our synodal processes, we can understand better the tasks and challenges ahead of us.

In the August 17 general audience, Pope Francis speaks about the importance of age in our understanding of God.

A preliminary Vatican investigation into allegations against Cardinal Marc Ouellet concluded there was not sufficient evidence to warrant opening up formal proceedings against the cardinal for sexual assault.

Sean Callahan, president and C.E.O. of Baltimore-based Catholic Relief Services, returned last month from tours and consultations with C.R.S. partners in Ukraine, Ghana and Ethiopia.

“Rather than describing clericalism as an individual reality—a problem of ‘bad apples’—this study maps clericalism as a structural reality shaped by the interaction of three forces: sex, gender, and power,” the authors write.

Bruce Botha, S.J., said one notable achievement of the synodal process was that many people who experienced themselves on the margins of the church felt that they were heard.