Faith
Most Amazon bishops support 'viri probati,' women deacons
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Most bishops who lead dioceses in the Amazon support the ordination of married men of proven virtue, or "viri probati," as a way of addressing the lack of priests in the region, a Brazilian bishop said.
Synod participants: Catholics must recognize 'ecological sins'
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Synod members called for the Catholic Church to deepen its theology in a way that would help people recognize "ecological sins."
Synod participants call for greater role of women in ministry
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Synod participants offered several proposals to address the lack of priests in the Amazon region, including revising the formation program for candidates to the priesthood and instituting new ministries for lay men and women.
First synod talks focused on climate, priests, inculturation
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Climate change, water resources, inculturation and indigenous practices were among the topics discussed during the first afternoon session of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.
Synod speakers praise diversity brought by indigenous
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- People in Western countries need to see the different cultural expressions of faith that exist in other parts of the world, said some participants at the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon.
Cardinal Hummes introduces synod topics: Don't fear what is new
By Barbara J. Fraser, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- With its mandate to seek "new pathways for the church and for an integral ecology," the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon follows Pope Francis' call for the church to move forward without fear, Brazilian Cardinal Claudio Hummes told participants.
Cardinal Baldisseri explains how Amazon synod works
By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- While the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is focused on one small, but important geographical area, the issues involved impact the universal Catholic Church, said Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops.
Synod is a time to listen, not despise, Pope Francis says
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Synod of Bishops for the Amazon is a time of reflection, dialogue and listening to the needs and sufferings of indigenous people, Pope Francis said.
Status quo smothers God's love, Pope Francis says at synod Mass
By Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- The Catholic Church's mission in the world is to spread the fire of God's love and must not be limited to the "'ordinary maintenance' of those who already know the Gospel," Pope Francis said.
Canada's Michael Czerny made a cardinal by Pope Francis
By Carol Glatz, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- In a ceremony in which Canadian Michael Czerny was installed as a cardinal, Pope Francis reminded new and old members of the College of Cardinals how much their ministry and service depends on their realizing how much God loves them and has been compassionate with them.
Vatican hires anti-Mafia prosecutor to run court system
By Junno Arocho Esteves, Catholic News ServiceVATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has appointed a retired anti-Mafia prosecutor to head the Vatican City State's judicial system.