Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod, has named Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, and six others to be members of the preparatory commission for the general assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October.

In a wide-ranging interview with America, Cardinal Blase Cupich reflected on what Pope Francis has accomplished so far, describing the Francis era as “a historic papacy” that comes at “a watershed moment” for the church.

While many L.G.B.T. Catholics have welcomed Pope Francis' emphasis on inclusion and welcome, they hope for future changes in policies and rhetoric around L.G.B.T. issues in the church.

House Bill 74 would do away with the privilege in a sacramental confession by requiring priests to report information relating to child abuse and neglect that is shared in a confessional.

How many are willing to have their minds changed, to desire for something from this synodal process that goes deeper than their pre-existing agenda?

“Top-down” ecumenism has not reduced the distance between the Catholic church and other churches. We need grassroots ecumenical relationships now.