NATION/WORLD

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.

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 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."

On Oct. 5 the Catholic Church’s leaders began a process of prayerful and deliberative reflection on: “The Pastoral Challenges of the Family in the Context of Evangelization.”

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 "freedom of expression" that characterized preparations for the Synod of Bishops on the family -- especially in responses to a Vatican questionnaire -- "will also characterize the synod assembly, which certainly will take place in a climate of respect for every position, mutual charity and an authentic sense of constructiveness," said the head of the synod.

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.

WASHINGTON (CNS) -- For the first time, federal funding will help pay for unaccompanied minor immigrants to get legal assistance, including through Catholic agencies...

WASHINGTON (CNS) — In an effort to help lay Catholics gain a deeper understanding of religious life, priests, brothers and women religious intend to open their convents, monasteries, abbeys and religious houses to the public one day next February. It's one of several events for the upcoming Year of Consecrated Life, which begins this Advent.

Avoid the melodrama and self-pity over minor problems in life, Pope Francis said. Instead, use life's inevitable difficulties to pray for strength and pray for those who are suffering real tragedy.