Focus

Four key themes of the Synod on the Family

Oct 07, 2015

On October 4, the Synod on the Family began. There are representatives from the world’s episcopal conferences in the Vatican. In addition, 18 married couples are attending at the Pope´s request.
Gay Catholics tell synod to promote chastity – for everyone

Oct 07, 2015

Same-sex attracted Catholics who have turned away from a homosexual lifestyle are urging participants at the upcoming Synod on the Family to defend the Church's teaching on chastity for everyone – including for divorced and remarried.
Roman Lutheran leader: ‘Francis is our bishop’

Oct 07, 2015

Pope Francis will visit a Lutheran church in Rome on November 15. St. John Paul II visited the church in 1983, as did Pope Benedict in 2010.
Ten prelates to draft Synod of Bishops’ final document

Oct 07, 2015

Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, the secretary general of the Synod of Bishops, has announced the names of the nine prelates who will work with him to draft the final report of the Synod on the Family.
Family is the most beautiful thing God has made

Oct 07, 2015

A visibly moved Pope Francis ditched his prepared remarks in speaking to thousands of families gathered in Philadelphia Saturday night – giving an impromptu reflection on the beauty and dire importance of family life.
Some mothers say, “my son is 34 and not married” Pope says, “don’t iron his shirts anymore”

Oct 07, 2015

While speaking at St Charles Borromeo Seminary to bishops and archbishops, Pope Francis spoke about young people, marriage and the importance of family.
The relics of St Therese, and her parents, will be displayed throughout the synod

Oct 07, 2015

Glass cases with the relics of Saint Therese of Lisieux and her parents, Blessed Louis and Zelie Martin, will be displayed in Santa Maria Maggiore in Rome for the entirety of the Synod on the Family, Oct. 4-25.
Pope Francis tells family that drove 13,000 miles to see him: ‘You are crazy’

Oct 07, 2015

In a fitting — and unexpected — capstone to their 13,000-mile journey, an Argentine family that drove in a VW bus from their home in Buenos Aires to Philadelphia, met and chatted with Pope Francis on Sept 27, at his request.
Families tell Pope Francis 'thank you' with a renewed commitment to marriage

Oct 07, 2015

In response to Pope Francis’ ongoing encouragement of marriage, an Ecuadorian lay woman has penned a simple thank you letter that has now gained over 1,500 signatures in the Hispanic community.
The application of the Eastern concept of Economia

Oct 01, 2015

As we saw last week, there is evidence that some of the early Church Fathers followed a pastoral practice of tolerance, clemency and forbearance, after a period of penance, with regard to the divorced and re-married.