What Is a Synod in the Catholic Church? And Why Does This One Matter?
A seemingly obscure meeting could be the culmination of Francis’ papacy and lay the groundwork for lasting change on issues like married priests and the blessing of gay unions.
Francis
Pope to Meet Macron in Marseille and Defend Migrants’ Plight
Tens of thousands are expected at a Mass with Francis in the French port city. Although the pontiff will meet President Emmanuel Macron, it is not an official state visit.
Mongolians Welcome Pope Francis
The pope arrived at what he called the “heart of Asia” for a four-day trip.
Pope Visits Mongolia, With an Eye on Russia and China
The pontiff arrived Friday on a trip that the Vatican said was meant to encourage the fewer than 1,500 Catholics there. But it also brings him close to two great powers that have vexed him.
Pope Says a Strong U.S. Faction Offers a Backward, Narrow View of the Church
In unusually sharp remarks published this week, Pope Francis said some conservative American Catholics wrongly ignore much of the Church’s mission and reject the possibility of change.
Vatican Tries to Clarify Pope Francis’ Remarks on Russia
The Holy See sought to calm an outcry over comments that some critics said were too close to President Vladimir Putin’s justifications for invading Ukraine.
Pope Francis’ Praise for ‘Great Russia’ Empire Draws Criticism
“Never forget the legacy,” Francis said in a video speech on Friday to young Catholics in St. Petersburg. “You are the heirs of Great Russia: Great Russia of saints, rulers, Great Russia of Peter I, Catherine II, that empire.”
Pope Francis Declines to Condemn Russia at Fatima Shrine in Portugal
“It’s not enough just to listen — he has to do something,” said Dmytro Bohak, one of about 500 young Ukrainian pilgrims who attended the event and staged a demonstration.
Young Catholics Come Together, if Not Their Views
As young Catholics gathered from around the world in Portugal, their desires for the future of the church were as varied as the countries they came from.
Pope Francis Heads to Portugal for Catholic Church’s Youth Day
The pope will preside over a gathering of young people from around the world, mindful that the changes he has initiated in the Roman Catholic Church will depend on them.