Real-life experience can strengthen church teaching, bishops tell synod
When Catholics see couples who are patient, kind, never jealous or rude, they "behold the beauty and simplicity and strength of married love," but the church also must learn to help and to heal those whose dreams for lifelong love have been shattered.
Pope recalls another key anniversary in his life: his first Communion
Unable to resist telling the world about a personal event that is dear to his heart, Pope Francis said that 70 years ago to the day, he celebrated his first Communion.
On sexual and medical ethics, synod fathers speak of ‘graduality’
In their discussions of sexual and medical ethics, participants at the Synod of Bishops on the family are giving emphasis to the concept of "graduality," as a way of thinking about morality that allows for human imperfection without compromising ideals.
Debate emerges on St. John Paul II’s early writings on social ethics
Less than six months after St John Paul II was canonized, questions are being raised about a book of lectures he penned as a young priest in his Polish homeland.
Cardinal Wuerl: Who may receive Communion? [VIDEO]
Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl discusses the difference between doctrinal teachings on marriage and the application of those teachings in regard to the reception of Communion.
Pope opens synod with vigil, Mass [VIDEO]
The Synod on the family opened with a vigil and Mass in St. Peter's Square Oct. 4-5.
Court declines to review rulings overturning same-sex marriage bans
Rulings that overturned state bans on same-sex marriage in five states will be allowed to take effect, after the Supreme Court Oct. 6 declined to consider appeals of seven lower court rulings that such prohibitions are unconstitutional.
Mesa Catholic professes perpetual vows
Sr. Carrie Elizabeth Flood, IHM, professed perpetual vows of chastity, poverty and obedience as a Sister, Servant of the Immaculate Heart of Mary at a Eucharistic celebration Oct. 4. The congregation has nearly 400 sisters serving throughout the U.S. and Latin America.
Pope tells bishops at family synod to speak fearlessly, listen humbly
Pope Francis opened the first working session of an extraordinary Synod of Bishops Oct. 6, urging participants to speak fearlessly and listen humbly during two weeks of discussion of the "pastoral challenges of the family."
Opening family synod, pope warns bishops of hypocrisy, pride and greed
Opening a two-week Synod of Bishops on the family, Pope Francis warned participants against the temptations of hypocrisy, pride and greed, urging them instead to serve the church with "freedom, creativity and hard work."
