As the three-year synodal process that will culminate in the 2023 World Synod of Bishops gets underway, John W. O'Malley, S.J., offers some historical context for what synodality is all about.

John Padberg, S.J., the noted Jesuit historian, died on Christmas Day. He is remembered here by his longtime friend and colleague, John W. O'Malley, S.J.

History shows that authority in the church has taken many forms.

The founder of the Jesuits writes, “What seems to me white, I will believe black if the hierarchical Church so defines.” Let’s unpack that.

If the church is a field hospital, I have known a place within the church where the wounded have flocked for many decades. I am speaking, of course, of Howard Gray.

Largely forgotten today, Ignaz von Döllinger was one of the most widely respected Catholic intellectuals of his day.

The blueprint for Pope Francis' pontificate has from the very first instant been Vatican II.

Unlike the other synods held since the Second Vatican Council, the Extraordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to discuss the family, held in Rome last October, sparked widespread interest. It did so for two reasons. First, the open and lively debate in the synod contrasted starkly with the muted

Ross Douthat rsquo s article in the nbsp New York Times on Sunday sounded the alarm Pope Francis through his Synod on the Family has brought the church to the edge of a precipice If the synod continues on its present trajectory it will ldquo sow confusion among the church rsquo s orthodox adhere

Editor’s note: The historic interview with Pope Francis (Am. 9/30) has generated a great deal of dialogue in the church and in society at large. We asked several writers to offer their reactions to the pope’s words. Selections from these responses are printed below. The full versions of