As tensions rise again with the approach of a Nov. 12 deadline for the creation of a unity government, Bishop Kussala has a message for the conflict-weary people of South Sudan. “The church is here to stay,” he said. “We serve the people; we don’t run away.”
Pope Francis
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis: Church can resolve conflicts with the help of the Holy Spirit
The church resolves conflicts and discerns God’s will by patiently listening, discussing and deciding under the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Pope Francis said.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Chileans must address root causes of violent protests, bishops say
Demonstrations in Chile came after the government announced a 10% increase in electricity rates and a transit fare hike equivalent to about $0.04.
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
Despite outside distractions, Amazon synod presses on
This week on “Inside the Vatican,” we devote an entire episode to the Amazon synod, which just entered its final week.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
How the Amazon synod is connected to North American corporations
The connection between the Amazon region and the church in the United States runs deeper than it might first appear.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Vatican denies risk of default over structural deficit
A top Vatican administrator is denying the Holy See risks default over its structural deficit, saying claims in a new book about possible financial ruin are overblown.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Cardinal Gracias: ‘We must give answers to the issues that have emerged at the synod’
The Indian cardinal described his experience during the synod so far as an “eye-opener,” allowing him to discover connections to what indigenous communities in his native land are experiencing.
Posted inNews, Politics & Society
Pope Francis: Our mission is to make disciples for Christ, not for one’s group
“What instructions does the Lord give us for going forth to others? Only one, and it’s very simple: Make disciples. But, be careful: his disciples, not our own,” the pope said Oct. 20 as he celebrated World Mission Sunday.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Thieves steal wood carvings used at synod prayer and throw them in the river
Video of the pre-dawn theft from the Santa Maria in Traspontina church was shared and celebrated on conservative social media on Oct. 21. The Vatican’s communications czar, Paolo Ruffini, termed it a “stunt” that violated the idea of dialogue.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Amazon Synod is a place of discernment that ‘must leave space for the Spirit’
The synod is “not a discussion, not a parliament,” but there is “a spiritual dynamic,” said Giacomo Costa, S.J., the synod’s secretary for information, at a Vatican press briefing on Oct. 16. The biblical image, he said, is “the blind man who throws away his cloak to go to God,” and for the synod it means “to leave behind the safety of your arguments.”