FEATURED

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."

Hours before opening a Synod of Bishops whose members have already started a public debate over Catholic teaching on marriage and sexuality, Pope Francis prayed the bishops would express themselves and listen to each other openly, trusting in God to reconcile their differences.

The author of a controversial proposal to make it easier for divorced and civilly remarried Catholics to receive Communion says he believes Pope Francis backs the measure but would not apply it without support from bishops at two upcoming synods on the family.

The André House of Hospitality west of downtown Phoenix is about to turn 30. Its outreach began with evening meals for homeless guests and expanded in response to need for clothes, transitional housing, showers and other services.

Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix spelled out his thoughts about the Church in Arizona in his inaugural “State of the Catholic Church” address Sept. 23.

VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Pope Francis warned against the abandonment and neglect of the elderly, calling it a "hidden euthanasia" rooted in today's "poisonous" culture of disposal and an economic system of greed. In the presence of his predecessor, Pope Francis also thanked retired Pope Benedict XVI for staying to live at the Vatican and being like "a wise grandfather at home."

In a world beset by challenges, Pope Francis' fresh approach has inspired hope in many. Bishop Thomas J. Olmsted of the Diocese of Phoenix echoed those hopes and spelled out his thoughts about the Church in Arizona in his inaugural 'State of the Catholic Church' address Sept. 23.

Night of Hope, the signature event for the Catholic Schools Office in the Diocese of Phoenix, will celebrate Catholic education at every level — from preschool to college.

Kelley Orr, a social worker and mother of four sons, has struggled with depression for years. “I don’t hide it,” Orr said. “I pray and I reach out to friends.”

Pope Francis has named Bishop Blase J. Cupich of Spokane, Washington, as archbishop of Chicago, succeeding Cardinal Francis E. George, who has headed the archdiocese since 1997.