Final report to be a general guide, not hard answers, says cardinal
After nearly three weeks of intense discussion and debate, the Synod of Bishop's final document on the family as aiming to be a reflection of the overall sense of the "mind of the house" and indicate some general pastoral directions, a cardinal said at a Vatican news conference Oct. 22.
Love does not take freedom away [VIDEO]
In his general audience talk, Pope Francis says there is no love without freedom and without freedom, there is no marriage.
The synod’s family mission [VIDEO]
The Synod of Bishops on the Family continues through Oct. 24. Two U.S. archbishops discuss its the goals.
Arizona Rosary Celebration: Face Time with Mary
Taking place during the month in which Catholics worldwide renew devotion to the rosary — and thereby draw closer to Christ — the Arizona Rosary Celebration is celebrating its 40th year.
Polish bishop says synod members trust Holy Spirit, guidance of pope
"An atmosphere of fear does not exist because we believe in the Holy Spirit. We also believe in the guidance of the Holy Father, who has to regulate this," Archbishop Gadecki, president of the Polish bishops' conference, told journalists Oct. 15.
Synod calls for Bible-based presentation of God’s plan for family
As members of the Synod of Bishops concluded work on the second of three chapters in their working document, they continued to call for a tone and for language that is clear, simple and encourages people to see it is possible to live the vocation of marriage and family life.
Aid workers in Greece brace for more migrants, despite worsening weather
The tide of humanity fleeing violence in Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq continues into Greece, a key entry point to Europe, despite many drownings and threat of increasingly violent waterways during colder autumn temperatures.
Synod surprises: Universal compassion, inaccurate coverage, couples say
Two couples attending the Synod of Bishops on the family brief the media at the Vatican about their experience observing the Synod of Bishops on the family, which is closed to the press.
Families need homilies connecting Gospel to real life, observer says
Accompanying God's word with a real example or story from someone's life helps people know "the facts, that there are so many other people also having problems" and how Christ offers healing, Maria Gomes told Catholic News Service
Church and society must learn from families, pope says at audience
Families bring needed values and a humanizing spirit to society and, when they mirror God's love for all, they teach the church how it should relate to all people, including the "imperfect."
