"The South Sudanese people have suffered too much these past years and are awaiting—with great hope—a better future, especially the permanent end of conflicts and a long-lasting peace," Pope Francis said.

Proposed changes to a bishops’ letter introducing “Forming Consciences for Faithful Citizenship,” reveal concerns that segments of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops are not fully on board with Francis’ now six-year-old papacy.

As the U.S. bishops begin their meetings with Pope Francis, held every five years, here are some of the topics that need to be discussed.

What were the results of the Amazon synod?

The Rev. James Martin, S.J., leads listeners through an Examen prayer with a reflection on the courage of Mother Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants.

In a statement issued late Nov. 7, James Rogers, the USCCB's chief communications officer, took issue with Ivereigh's account.