What real changes can we expect from the Synod on Synodality? How is the Vatican responding to the rapidly expanding war in the Middle East? And who is rumored to succeed Pope Francis? Colleen Dulle and Gerard O’Connell tackle your burning questions in a special mailbag episode of “Inside the Vatican.”
Synod on Synodality
Posted inFaith, Synod Diary
Synod Diary: What the synod has to say about peace, remembrance and the anniversary of Oct. 7
On the anniversary of Oct. 7, the deadliest day for Jews since the Holocaust, I do not want to talk about peace or forgiveness. But the Synod on Synodality asks me to anyway.
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, Synod Diary
A synod member’s case against synod cynicism
Father Orobator, a Nigerian Jesuit and voting member of the synod, understands the skepticism that has crept in since last year’s session. But he still has hope for the synodal process.
Posted inFaith, News
Synod bishop: Western Catholics ‘obsession’ with women deacons ignores marginalized women
When Catholics in the global North are “obsessed” with the issue of women’s ordination, “women who in many parts of the church and world are treated as second-class citizens are totally ignored,” Bishop Anthony Randazzo said.
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, Synod Diary
Synod Diary: The synod’s call to conversion
Conversion is never easy, but participants from all continents must undergo conversion if the synod is to successfully carry out its task, Gerard O’Connell writes.
Posted inFaith, News
Pope Francis defends giving women and lay men voting rights at synod
Pope Francis said he wanted to respond to a “storm of chattering” that had developed around his expansion of synod membership.
Posted inFaith, News
Secretive Synod study group says no to women deacons
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, the Vatican’s doctrine chief, announced today that “based on the analysis so far…there is still no room for a positive decision” on ordaining women deacons.
Posted inFaith, Synod Diary
Father James Martin: What will happen at the synod’s final session? It’s up to the Holy Spirit.
Pope Francis has decided that this year, we will be discussing not any series of topics—clericalism women’s ordination to the diaconate, or ministry to L.G.B.T.Q. Catholics—but synodality itself.