Francis has revolutionized the College of Cardinals by passing over large archdioceses like Los Angeles, Venice and Milan in favor of picking men from the peripheries who reflect his pastoral orientation and concern for the poor.
Pope Francis
Posted inFaith, News
Synod members vote to dialogue with study groups on controversial issues set up by Pope Francis
The study groups are investigating questions such as how to improve seminary education, ministry to LGBTQ Catholics and possible ministry roles for women in the Catholic Church.
Posted inFaith, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis names 21 new cardinals, including Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.
Pope Francis will create 21 new cardinals on December 8, 20 of whom can vote for a new pope. Among them are Frank Leo, archbishop of Toronto, and Timothy Radcliffe, former master of the Dominicans.
Posted inDispatches, Faith
South African women feel left off the agenda at the synod—and they’re frustrated with Pope Francis.
One South African theologian described “a deep sense of disillusionment that the church, on the one hand, is saying we need to be a synodal listening church, and has yet again taken the diaconate for women off the table.”
Posted inFaith, Podcasts
On Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium, critics spoke out on the role of women in the Catholic Church
In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and Colleen discuss the most newsworthy moments from Pope Francis’ visit to Belgium.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis at synod opening Mass: No one has an ‘an exclusive right’ to God’s voice
“Those who arrogantly claim to have the exclusive right to hear the voice of the Lord cannot hear it,” Pope Francis said at the opening Mass of the Synod on Synodality.
Posted inFaith, News
Synod opens with unusual penitential service: 7 cardinals ask for forgiveness for church’s sins
The Catholic Church cannot be credible in its mission of proclaiming Christ unless it acknowledges its mistakes and bends down “to heal the wounds we have caused by our sins,” Pope Francis said.
Posted inFaith, Interviews
Interview: Timothy Radcliffe on how he prepares to give homilies—and preach to synod delegates
On an episode of “Preach,” Timothy Radcliffe discussed his approach to preparing for retreats, including the one he gave—and has just given again—to the synod delegates.
Posted inPolitics & Society, Vatican Dispatch
Pope Francis addresses war in the Middle East, sexual abuse and abortion on plane home from Belgium
Pope Francis answered questions on Israel, sexual abuse, the role of women in society and abortion.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis: There is room for everyone in the church—but not for abuse and cover-up
In his homily during Mass Sept. 29 in Brussels, Pope Francis strayed from his prepared text to urge bishops to hide nothing, “condemn abuses” and assist perpetrators in getting help.