At a Vatican briefing on Oct. 8, Archbishop Scicluna reminded reporters that “the synod is not about the abuse of minors, it has to deal with many other questions, too.”

The Vatican has issued a first or interim response to the accusations leveled against the pope and senior Vatican officials for their response to allegations against Archbishop Theodore McCarrick.

Concern for migrants and refugees, many of who are young, took center stage at the Synod of Bishops.

The most powerful speeches were given by synod fathers from countries that produce migrants due to situations of war or poverty.

The pope stresses hope, dialogue and discernment in opening address to the synod on young adults.

Describing this synod as a “moment of grace for the whole church,” Pope Francis prayed that the Holy Spirit “may help us to preserve the memory of the Lord.”