Pope Francis asked forgiveness from journalists trying to cover the monthlong meeting but insisted “a certain fasting from public words” would be needed to ensure the proper spiritual atmosphere for synod members.

Pope Francis did not attend Vatican II, but from the beginning of his pontificate, he set out with determination to continue its implementation.

I have spent the better part of the past two years trying to understand what synodality is. Today, it finally started to click.

During this coming election cycle, Americans (including Catholics) need to hear far more about the moral duty to protect the environment.

I believe that the apostolic exhortation “The Joy of the Gospel” holds the key to understanding Pope Francis’ hopes for the synod. And that is why I’m hopeful about the synod.

In ‘Laudate Deum,’ Pope Francis takes square aim at the United States, noting that per-capita emissions in the U.S. are twice as high as China and seven times greater than the average in poor countries