Cardinal Robert McElroy reflects on receiving the red hat from Pope Francis and discusses the points of consensus as well as disagreement at the first worldwide meeting of cardinals since 2014.

“Fraternal correction and dialogue” were something very positive, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, said, but a “public denunciation” was not helpful and only led to further polarization.

Last week, Twitter users across the world made a startling discovery: A viral photo of the Vatican’s Paul VI audience hall revealed a colossal, looming sculpture that frames the pope during his addresses.

Pope Francis opened a two-day meeting of almost 200 cardinals this morning, Aug. 29, to discuss “Predicate Evangelium,” the constitution for the reform of the Roman Curia.

Celestine V resigned from the papacy in 1294, the last pope to do so voluntarily before Benedict XVI. Francis, in his homily, praised him for this gesture of humility.

Pope Francis has brought the total number of electors to 132, from 69 countries.