As the first session of the Synod on Synodality in Rome draws to a close, the members have released a Letter to the People of God. The letter is the first of two documents expected from the synod before it concludes its business in Rome on Oct. 29.

Most modern constitutional states today describe themselves as republics. Such republics sound as though they have a lot in common with Catholic social teaching. They do.

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.

“Recognizing the divergences is unitive,” a bishop member of the synod told me. “It can provide healing.”

In a new letter to the People of God, the synod participants emphasized the importance of continued discernment for the Church's future.

A Homily for the Thirtieth Sunday in Ordinary Time, by Father Terrance Klein

Today, Pope Francis prayed “for all those who suffer” and said he hoped that “paths of peace” may be found for the conflict in the Middle East.

A Reflection for Wednesday of the Twenty-ninth Week in Ordinary Time, by Molly Cahill

“Let us ask Saints Cyril and Methodius, apostles of the Slavs, that we may be instruments of ‘freedom in charity’ for others,” Pope Francis said at today’s general audience.