Synod on the Family

Synod appointments promise October fireworks
- Jun 16, 2015
ROME — A Belgian bishop who has called on the Church to welcome same-sex couples will get to bring his case straight to Pope Francis. The Vatican announced Tuesday that Bishop Johan Bonny of Antwerp will serve as a delegate to October’s Synod on the Family. His appointment adds intellectual heft

By Michael O'Loughlin
Controversial preacher, writer Timothy Radcliffe given Vatican role
- May 16, 2015
An internationally known preacher and writer known for pushing the boundaries of Catholic orthodoxy and a strong ally of Pope Francis was given a boost by the Holy See Saturday. In a move sure to raise eyebrows among the Church’s traditional guard, Pope Francis named the Rev. Timothy Radcliffe a

By Michael O'Loughlin

Pope Francis calls sexual abuse scandals a ‘grave problem’
- Mar 13, 2015
ROME — Pope Francis has delivered one of his strongest statements to date on the Catholic Church’s child sexual abuse scandals, calling them a “grave problem” and declaring that “one priest abusing a minor is reason enough to move the Church’s whole structure.” The pontiff also warned against “disproportionate” expectations

By Inés San Martín

Hot-button issues remain in new questionnaire for 2015 synod
- Dec 9, 2014
In the run-up to last October’s synod of bishops on the family, one of the more sensational developments was the Vatican’s decision to ask bishops around the world to survey the grassroots on matters such as same-sex marriage, divorce and remarriage, and cohabitation outside marriage. Some bishops’ conferences made a

By John L. Allen Jr.