Pope Francis’ doctrinal chief faced criticism for synod delegates over his office’s lack of diversity, clear communication and transparency when it comes to the question of women deacons.

A transcript prepared by America Media sheds light on the meeting between Cardinal Fernández and synod participants held on Oct. 24.

“Wicked” author Gregory Maguire talks about his religious upbringing, Elphaba’s search for a soul and why nuns, saints and witches might not be all that different.

Members of the Synod on Synodality called for giving lay people “a greater voice in choosing bishops.” What would that look like in practice?

For Pope Francis, Matteo Ricci is not so much a figure of the past but rather “a prophetic figure” who nourishes the hope of encounter today—in China and around the world.

Doris Grumbach was an accomplished novelist, literary critic, biographer and memoirist and an early pioneer for her books exploring L.G.B.T. themes. She was also a longtime book reviewer and essayist for ‘America.’

A local Italian group launched an online petition urging Pope Francis, the Vatican and others to stop the “fir tree-icide” of cutting down a 200-year-old red pine to decorate St. Peter’s Square for Christmas.

Flying bishops, eminent birthdays and getting lost in translation: Funny stuff that Father James Martin heard inside the synod hall.

"The Trump administration is going to present real challenges to Catholics," E.J. Dionne says in a conversation with America.

Pope Francis said that Christian faith must disturb the powers that be.