By Robert Duncan & Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service Australian Cardinal George Pell said the final report of the Synod of Bishops on the family did not create an opening for the divorced and civilly remarried to receive Communion. Other synod members took a different view and acknowledged that the paragraph …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — As disciples, Christians are called to imitate Jesus’ heart and lead others directly to him, without lecturing them, Pope Francis said. Thousands gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica Oct.25 for the closing Mass of the Synod of Bishops. The Mass concluded …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Several hours before the final report of the Synod of Bishops was put to a vote, two U.S. bishops said that what is new is not the church’s message, but the synod’s emphasis and attitude toward the role of the family …

By Cindy Wooden Catholic News Service While not specifically mentioning the controversial proposal of a path toward full reconciliation and Communion for the divorced and civilly remarried, members of the Synod of Bishops on the family handed Pope Francis a report emphasizing an obligation to recognize that not all Catholics in …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis announced he is establishing a new office for laity, family and life, which combines the responsibilities of two pontifical councils. The pope made the announcement Oct. 22 during the afternoon session of the Synod of Bishops on the …

CNA/EWTN News Pope Francis’ visit to the United States has given a boost to Americans’ stated support for the pro-life cause, the results of a survey conducted this month suggest. About 62 percent of Americans voiced support for life at every stage of its development, including the unborn, according to …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY — Jesuit Father Federico Lombardi, Vatican spokesman, said an Italian newspaper’s claims about the pope’s health were “entirely unfounded.” After checking with the pope himself and other sources, Father Lombardi told reporters “the pope enjoys good health” and that the unsubstantiated news report …

By Carol Glatz Catholic News Service VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Observers told the Synod of Bishops on the family to discourage Christian women from marrying Muslim men, urge priests not to tell women to return to abusive husbands, share the truth of church teaching about marriage, and embrace single mothers …

Catholic News Service NEW ORLEANS — More than 100 religious leaders across the state of Louisiana filed an amicus brief Oct. 19 with the Louisiana Supreme Court in hopes of sparing the life of a convicted murderer. The religious leaders who signed the brief “have a substantial interest in ensuring …

By Junno Arocho Esteves Catholic News Service While church doctrine must stay unchanged, an Australian archbishop expressed his hope that the Synod of Bishops will the lead the church to a genuine pastoral approach using a new language of mercy toward families, particularly those in difficult situations. Speaking at a …