Pope Francis’ calls for open-minded discussion will be tested this week as bishops meet with lay people, including women, to debate topics such as married priests and the blessing of gay couples.
Tag: Francis
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.
In Marseille, Francis Urges Europe to Heed the Plight of Migrants
Pope Francis said the migrant route through the Mediterranean had become a “graveyard of dignity.”
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.
When It Comes to China, Pope Francis Keeps Criticism in Check
Francis called relations with Beijing “very respectful,” though few clergy or Catholics from China went to see him during a visit to Mongolia, seemingly fearing reprisals.
A Nation With Few Catholics Gives Pope a Welcome Fit for an Emperor
Mongolia put its history and culture on display as Pope Francis visited the Asian nation. Although it was the first trip to the country by a Roman Catholic pontiff, he noted that the two entities have ties dating back many centuries.
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.”