Breaking with tradition and opening a new door in the synodal process, Pope Francis has appointed a woman, Sister Nathalie Becquart, as one of two new undersecretaries of the synod of bishops.

The head of the Catholic Church and the head of Al-Azhar gave the world yet another powerful witness of their friendship and commitment to work together for peace among the nations.

Cardinal Charles Maung Bo appealed to the people of Myanmar “to remain calm” and not resort to violence in the wake of the military coup.

Because the liturgy is the source and summit of our Christian prayer, all of us are called to take an active part in this great act of worship, by offering our own lives in union with Christ as a holy and pleasing sacrifice to the Father.

Aware that a coup appeared to be imminent, Cardinal Charles Maung Bo, the archbishop of Yangon, speaking on Jan. 25 issued “an urgent, fraternal appeal for peace and reconciliation.”

The pope said the day will be celebrated every year on the fourth Sunday of July to coincide with the feast of Sts. Joachim and Anne, Jesus’ grandparents.