At midday yesterday, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ latest encyclical, “Dilexit Nos,” in which he invites us, the faithful, to return to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and rediscover our own hearts.

“I am convinced that we cannot wait to take steps forward for the empowerment of women in the church” by distinguishing what requires ordination and what does not, Cardinal Fernández told about 100 synod members.

At a time when the church’s doctrinal teachings on faith and morals are questioned everywhere, the relevance of such teachings to the believers brought up in diverse contexts is of utmost importance.

On the eve of the highly anticipated publication of the final report for the Synod on Synodality, Zac Davis and Colleen Dulle speak with James Martin, S.J., about his time inside the second assembly.

Synod observers, especially those who feel like the document has not gone “forward” enough, would do well to learn from Vatican II and its rollout.

The “Inside the Vatican” team is together in Rome—live and in person—for the Synod on Synodality’s final week. They cover last week’s most contentious story: the meeting with Study Group 5, which is considering ways to increase participation for women in the Church, including the possibility of women deacons.