Pope Francis

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-retreat-meditation-mother-angelini-to-you-silence-praise.html
Synod Retreat Meditation: 'To you, silence is praise'
01 October 2024, 12:00

Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini giving meditation at Synod retreat  (ANSA)

At Morning Prayer on the second day of the Synod Retreat, Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini offers a reflection on "'To you, silence is praise:' Gentleness and severity of the synodal path."

Meditation on "To you, silence is praise"
Gentleness and severity of the synodal path
 
1 October 2024

"If you love the truth,
be a lover of silence
and God grant you to experience
that which is generated by silence'.
(Isaac the Syrian)

We open ourselves, together, to the new day: praising God is, faithfully, the threshold of light. The day will lead us - this evening - to the penitential liturgy, the fulfilment of the retreat.

And for this, we allow ourselves to be traversed and filled by the words of the Psalm we have sung; by the Gospel we have heard: an interweaving that generates beams of light on the synodal path, albeit precisely in the dialectic between events and the Word.
 

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-retreat-meditation-radcliffe-resurrection-2-breakfast.html
Synod Retreat Meditation: 'Resurrection & Breakfast Conversation'
01 October 2024, 12:24

Synod retreat in the Vatican  (ANSA)

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-retreat-meditation-resurrection-fishing.html
Synod Retreat Meditation: 'Resurrection Fishing'
01 October 2024, 11:26

Fr. Timothy Radcliffe preaching at Synod retreat

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259559/synod-on-synodality-2024-women-s-roles-in-the-catholic-church-debates-commissions-and-pope-francis-views
Pope Francis steers delicate course on women, the Church, and the Synod on Synodality 2024
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 1, 2024 / 10:00 am

Debate on women’s participation in the Catholic Church — including the idea of whether women could one day be deacons — is not on the agenda for this month’s assembly of the Synod on Synodality, but synodal conversations on the topic continue, some at the explicit invitation of Pope Francis.

On Oct. 2, Pope Francis will open the second session of the Synod on Synodality, the last part of the “discernment” phase of the synodal process begun in 2021.

Though women’s admission to ministries such as the diaconate was one of the big topics at the monthlong synod assembly last year, organizers have said the issue is now in the hands of experts after Pope Francis created a commission in the Vatican’s doctrine office to study the question at the request of 2023 synod delegates.

The commission at the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith (DDF) will provide an update on its work during this month’s meeting with the plan to release a document in mid-2025.

While delegates and other participants to the synodal gathering will focus on how to be a Church in mission, the discussion on women is happening in other venues: in the study commission, at local synodal gatherings, in online events, and with the pope and his cardinal advisers.

Pope Francis’ position
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259551/theologian-participating-in-synod-on-synodality-heralds-heterodox-views
Theologian participating in Synod on Synodality heralds heterodox views
By Nicolás de Cárdenas
Madrid, Spain, Oct 1, 2024 / 07:00 am

https://www.ncronline.org/opinion/guest-voices/five-things-watch-upcoming-october-synod
Five things to watch for in the upcoming October synod
The pope wants the delegates to focus on the topic of synodality rather than controversial topics like LGBTQ+ Catholics and women deacons.
Opinion / Guest Voices
Thomas Reese
October 1, 2024

https://www.ncregister.com/news/liedl-october-2015-synodality-speech
9 Years Ago, This Papal Speech Set the ‘Synodality’ Machine in Motion
ANALYSIS: Since Pope Francis’ 2015 speech, synodality has grown from a theological concept into a guiding principle of Church governance.
Jonathan Liedl | Vatican | September 30, 2024

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

Video at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-at-vigil-we-are-here-as-beggars-of-god-s-mercy.html
Pope Francis at Vigil: We are here as beggars of God’s mercy
01 October 2024, 19:00

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope.html

Pope Francis leads Synod members and participants in a penitential service, expressing shame for our sins and seeking forgiveness from God and those we have harmed.
By Christopher Wells

At a penitential service marked by testimonies of those wounded by abuse, war and lack of charity, Pope Francis asked forgiveness from God and from those who have been wounded by our sin.

The Penitential Vigil marked the culmination of the two-day Synod Retreat ahead of Wednesday’s solemn inauguration of the Second Session of the Sixteenth General Assembly of the Synod of Bishop.

Confession of sins

During the ceremony, seven cardinals expressed shame and asked forgiveness “on behalf of all in the Church” for sins against peace, against the environment, against the dignity of women, and against the poor; for sins of abuse and for using doctrine as a “stone to hurl” at others; and for sins against synodality.

“I wanted to write down the requests for abuse that were read by some of the cardinals,” the Pope said, “because it is necessary to call our chief sins by name.”

In his reflection following the confession of sins, the Holy Father emphasized that the Church, “in its essence of faith and proclamation, is always relational – and it is only by healing sick relationships that we become a synodal Church.”

“How could we be credible in mission,” he asked, "if we do not acknowledge our mistakes and stoop to heal the wounds we have caused by our sins?”
 

Full video at the link below--
https://www.youtube.com/user/vatican
Synod 2024 - Penitential Vigil, October 1, 2024, Pope Francis

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/10/on-eve-of-novel-synod-pope-asks-pardon-for-new-index-of-sins
On eve of novel synod, pope asks pardon for new index of sins
By Elise Ann Allen
Oct 1, 2024

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259581/pope-francis-we-must-acknowledge-our-sins-and-ask-forgiveness-to-become-a-credible-missionary-church
Pope Francis: We must acknowledge our sins, ask forgiveness to become missionary Church
By Kristina Millare
Vatican City, Oct 1, 2024 / 18:30 pm
 
The second and last session of the global discernment phase of the Synod of Synodality will commence on Wednesday morning, Oct. 2, with the celebration of Mass with Pope Francis.

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Before presiding over the opening Mass of the XVI Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-to-ecumenical-pilgrimage-be-credible-witnesses-of-unity.html
Pope to ecumenical pilgrimage: 'Be credible witnesses of unity and hope'
02 October 2024, 12:34

Addressing an ecumenical group of pilgrims from Saxony, Pope Francis highlights the spiritual significance of pilgrimage, unity in faith, and the role of personal testimony in spreading Christian hope.
By Lisa Zengarini

Before presiding over the opening Mass of the XVI Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, early on Wednesday morning Pope Francis met with an ecumenical group of German pilgrims of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of Saxony and from the Catholic Diocese of Dresden-Meissen.

The 80-member group, led by the Catholic Bishop of Dresden-Meissen, Heinrich Timmerevers, and by Lutheran Bishop Tobias Bilz of Saxony, included the "Dresden Boys' Choir" who later performed in the solemn liturgy in St. Peter’s Square together with the Pontifical Choir of the Sistine Chapel.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/october.index.html
Speeches 2024 October
To the Ecumenical Delegation of the Diocese of Dresden-Meissen (Federal Republic of Germany) (2 October 2024)

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-views-a-relic-of-the-chair-of-saint-peter.html
Pope views a relic of the Chair of Saint Peter
02 October 2024, 16:29

Pope Francis viewing the ancient wooden Chair of Saint Peter  (Vatican Media)

The Fabric of Saint Peter shows Pope Francis a relic of the Chair of Saint Peter before he presides over the opening Mass of the Synod on synodality.
By Vatican News

Before celebrating the opening Mass of the second session of the Synod on synodality on Wednesday morning, Pope Francis was able to see a relic of the Chair of Saint Peter (Cathedra Sancti Petri Apostoli).

According to Holy See Press Office, the Pope was taken to the Ottoboni sacristy of St. Peter's Basilica, where the ancient wooden throne that symbolizes the primacy of Peter has been temporarily placed.
 

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Videos at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-opens-synod-general-assembly-with-mass-in-st-peter-s-square.html
Pope opens Synod General Assembly with Mass in St Peter’s Square
02 October 2024, 11:41


In his homily during Mass for the Solemn Inauguration of the Second Session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis emphasizes the need for hearts open to dialogue and the importance of the harmony that comes from the Holy Spirit.
By Christopher Wells

Pope Francis’ homily for the opening Mass of the General Assembly of the Synod focused on the images of “voice, refuge, and a child”.

In his reflection for the feast of the Holy Guardian Angels, the Pope recalled God’s command “to listen to the voice of the Angel He had sent.”
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024.index.html
Homilies 2024
Opening of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. Feast of the Guardian Angels- Holy Mass (2. October 2024)

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-7-october-to-be-day-of-prayer-and-fasting-for-peace.html
Pope calls for 7th October to be day of prayer and fasting for peace
02 October 2024, 11:26

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-address-synod-2-october-2024-second-session.html
Pope calls for humble and synodal church, led by the Holy Spirit
02 October 2024, 17:00

Pope Francis opens the First Congregation of the General Assembly  (Vatican Media)

Pope Francis, at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, emphasises the need for a humble and synodal Church guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission of peace and forgiveness in the world.
By Vatican News

In his address at the opening of the second session of the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis reflected on the journey of the Church since the Synod's inception in 2021.
 
Full video at the link below--
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/events/event.dir.html/content/vaticanevents/en/2024/10/2/sinodo-vescovi.html
Second Session of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (2-27 October 2024) - 1st General Congregation
Paul VI Audience Hall
at 16:00

https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/october.index.html
Speeches 2024 October
Second Session of the XVI General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops (Audience Hall, 2-27 October 2024) - 1st General Congregation (2 October 2024)

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-cardinal-mario-grech-opening-address-full-text.html
Synod: Cardinal Grech's opening address - Full text
02 October 2024, 18:39

Cardinal Mario Grech (centre left) with Pope Francis at the Synod on Wednesday  (VATICAN MEDIA Divisione Foto)

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Videos at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/first-press-conference-second-session-synod-synodality.html
Synod Briefing: Assembly fasting and praying for peace on 7 October
03 October 2024, 17:25

The newly-renovated Holy See Press Office hosts a press conference to shed light on the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.
By Isabello Piro and Deborah Castellano Lubov

A press conference was held and livestreamed from the Holy See Press Office, Via della Conciliazione 54, on the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on Thursday, 3 October, and highlighted the key themes of peace, forgiveness, the role of women, as well as the working methods of the Study Groups.

Those speaking included Fr. Giacomo Costa, S.J., special secretary of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Msgr. Riccardo Battocchio, also Synod special secretary; delegate presidents of the Synod Assembly Sister Maria de los Dolores Palencia Gómez of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Bishop Daniel Ernest Flores of Brownsville, Texas.

Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication and Chair of the Commission for Information of the Synod Assembly, also addressed the press.

Paolo Ruffini: Spirituality and prayer at the core
 

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/study-groups-present-work-goals-to-synod.html
Study groups present work, goals to Synod
03 October 2024, 18:09

One of the circular tables in the Paul VI Hall for the Synod on Synodality  (Vatican Media)

At the first General Congregation of the Synodal Assembly on October 2, members of the ten groups established by the Pope in February to explore theological and canonical aspects of various themes, along with representatives of three other Commissions, explained the work accomplished up to this point and the outlook for the future.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

The role of women and the possibility of female deacons; the risk of the disappearance of Eastern Churches due to war; a “pastoral” approach for polygamists in Africa; the proclamation of the Gospel in the digital age; the relationship between bishops and priests and with the people of God: the criteria for selecting episcopal candidates; a “synodal” perspective on the work of Nuncios: and ecumenical dialogue: At the first General Congregation of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which opened yesterday afternoon with the Pope’s address and introductory speeches from Cardinal Grech and the general rapporteur, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, gave the floor to representatives from each of the ten Study Groups established by the Pope last February to explore certain topics on a theological and canonical level.

Representatives of the groups, each introduced by a short video and given a maximum of three minutes to present, outlined the work carried out thus and the future plans, which foresee a constant dialogue (contrary to those who hypothesized a “parallel” path to the Synod) between synodal fathers and mothers and the Study Groups.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259597/at-synod-on-synodality-pope-says-church-needs-new-ways-for-bishops-to-be-synodal
At Synod on Synodality, pope says Church needs new ways for bishops to be ‘synodal’
By Hannah Brockhaus
Vatican City, Oct 2, 2024 / 14:05 pm

https://www.ncregister.com/news/synod-study-group-s-discernment-on-sexuality-questions
Personal Experience, Not Moral Absolutes, to Steer Synod Study Group’s Discernment on Sexuality Questions
Jonathan Liedl  Vatican  October 3, 2024

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/10/as-synod-opens-vatican-says-no-to-women-deacons
As synod opens, Vatican says ‘no’ to women deacons
By Elise Ann Allen
Oct 3, 2024

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259621/synod-on-synodality-rules-out-women-deacons-meetings-called-to-be-laboratories-of-synodal-life
Synod rules out women deacons; meetings called to be ‘laboratories of synodal life’
By Kristina Millare
Vatican City, Oct 3, 2024 / 15:55 pm

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-initiative-inequality-rome-diocese-basilica.html

Pope to close conference focused on ending inequalities in Rome
03 October 2024, 17:13

Pope Francis will visit the Basilica of St. John Lateran on October 25 to attend the conclusion of a long-running conference on the theme, “The Responsibility of Christians in Response to the Expectations of Charity and Justice in the City of Rome,” a journey that began 50 years ago.
By Kielce Gussie

On October 25, the Basilica of St. John Latern will host a meeting attended by Pope Francis and members of the Diocese of Rome to conclude the “(Dis)equalities” journey.

The initiative was launched in February to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the conference, “The Responsibility of Christians in Response to the Expectations of Charity and Justice in the City of Rome.”
 
On October 25, Archbishop Reina will lead the afternoon of prayer and reflection, which will begin at 5:30 PM.

Italian journalist Marco Damilano will give a summary of the last 8 months of the initiative with the testimonies of two people.

Pope Francis will give a reflection to close the assembly.

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-receives-president-of-kyrgyzstan-in-audience.html

Pope Francis receives President of Kyrgyzstan in audience
04 October 2024, 10:53

Pope Francis holds a private audience with Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Kyrgyzstan, in the Vatican.
By Vatican News

On Friday, Pope Francis met in the study of the Paul VI Hall with the President of the Republic of Kyrgyzstan, Sadyr Zhaparov, who subsequently met with Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Secretary of State and Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations.

According to the Holy See Press Office, the cordial discussions that took place at the Secretariat of State emphasized the good relations between the Holy See and Kyrgyzstan, as well as the two states "mutual collaboration in the fields of healthcare, education, and culture, and some aspects of the life of the local Church."
 

[grace-land]

 
https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259635/belgian-prime-minister-criticizes-pope-francis-for-statements-on-abortion
Belgian prime minister criticizes Pope Francis for statements on abortion
By CNA Staff
CNA Deutsch, Oct 4, 2024 / 11:50 am

Belgian Prime Minister Alexander De Croo criticized Pope Francis for comments the pope made on abortion last week when he was returning to Rome from Belgium. The apostolic nuncio in Belgium and Luxembourg, Archbishop Franco Coppola, is being officially summoned to discuss the matter.

“It is absolutely unacceptable for a foreign head of state to make such statements about democratic decision-making in our country,” De Croo said on Thursday.

During the in-flight press conference on the way back from Belgium on Sunday, Pope Francis emphasized: “Women have a right to life, to their lives, and to the lives of their children. Let us not forget to say that.” He then added: “Abortion is a homicide. ... It kills a human being. The doctors who carry it out are contract killers. ... And there is no debate about that.”

The pontiff emphasized that he was specifically talking “about abortion, and you can’t discuss that. I’m sorry, but that’s the truth.”
 

https://cruxnow.com/church-in-europe/2024/10/belgium-vatican-in-diplomatic-row-over-popes-language-on-abortion
Belgium, Vatican in diplomatic row over pope’s language on abortion
By Crux Staff
Oct 4, 2024

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259631/synod-on-synodality-breaking-news-and-analysis-live-from-the-vatican
Live updates: The Synod on Synodality debates the Catholic Church’s future
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Oct 4, 2024 / 10:15 am

The Catholic Church’s Synod on Synodality has entered its final phase. Bishops, lay experts, and even non-Catholic observers from around the world have gathered in Rome this October for a monthlong assembly that could reshape the Church, its governance, and itsteaching. Pope Francis, opening the session, urged participants to listen to the Holy Spirit rather than pursue personal agendas.

Here’s what you should know

The October 2024 session’s focus is on “How to Be a Missionary Synodal Church” as the synod’s 368 voting members consider proposals related to the roles of women, decentralizing Church teaching authority, and enhancing the laity’s input in decision-making.

Decoding the Synod on Synodality: CNA’s essential terminology guide

Here’s what will be new at the Synod on Synodality Part 2

Key developments
 

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Videos at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-press-conference-day-3.html
Synod Briefing - Day 3: An invitation to listen to all
04 October 2024, 18:45

On the feast of St. Francis, 4 October, the second general congregation of the General Assembly of the Synod heard reports from the five Language Tables, and held an open discussion with more than thirty speakers addressing topics such as charisms and ministries, liturgy, and dialogue with cultures and religions.
By Salvatore Cernuzio

The Second General Congregation of the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality opened Friday morning – the feast of St Francis of Assisi – with Name Day greetings to the Pope and all those who bear the names Francis and Frances.

The session was attended by 351 members in the Paul VI Hall, who listened to the reports of the five “Language Tables.” Common themes of the various language groups concerned the idea of synodality as a style rather than a technique, and issues such as the role of women and laity in the Church; and “active” listening to those who feel excluded because they do not live up to the prescriptions of the Church.

Presenters at the daily press conference at the Holy See Press Office also noted that Synod participants reflected on the idea that, “in a world of orphans,” the Church can represent “the family of those who have no family.” The meeting for journalists began with highlights of the Synod’s work from the prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, Paolo Ruffini; and Sheila Pires, president and secretary respectively of the General Assembly’s Commission for Information.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/10/04/241004c.html
#synod24 – Notice of Briefing, 04.10.2024

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259663/synod-participants-put-spotlight-on-world-s-poor-and-vulnerable-on-feast-of-st-francis
Synod participants put spotlight on world’s poor and vulnerable on feast of St. Francis
By Kristina Millare
Vatican City, Oct 4, 2024 / 17:35 pm

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-reorganizes-diocese-of-rome-to-better-integrate.html

Pope reorganizes Diocese of Rome to better integrate center and peripheries
04 October 2024, 23:09

In a move aimed at fostering greater ecclesial communion, Pope Francis issues a Motu Proprio' titled 'La vera bellezza' (True Beauty), restructuring the Diocese of Rome by merging the five central prefectures with the surrounding peripheral areas, to make Rome 'one large home for all.'
By Antonella Palermo

On October 1st, Pope Francis signed a Motu Proprio that redefines the boundaries of the prefectures within the Diocese of Rome to better harmonize the parishes and their surrounding contexts.

The five existing central prefectures will be integrated into the other sectors, reorganizing the Diocese along the four cardinal directions.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/motu_proprio.index.html
Motu Proprio
Apostolic Letter issued “Motu Proprio” La vera bellezza (1st October 2024)

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https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-encourages-family-businesses.html

Pope Francis to family businesses: 'May your faith guide you'
05 October 2024, 13:15

Pope Francis encourages an association of family businesses to let their faith guide them in all they do, to remember 'the Church is God's family,' and to live their service with a 'universal heart.'
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"May the gift of faith increasingly guide your presence in local realities and strengthen your participation in the fate of humanity."

This was Pope Francis' encouragement to members of the AIDAF Italian Family Business Association in the Vatican on Saturday.

Founded in 1997 by Alberto Falck with a group of entrepreneurs inspired by the same values, the AIDAF organization proposes itself as the reference point in Italy for family businesses. It brings together about 270 companies.

AIDAF is the Italian Chapter of FBN Family Business Network, the international institution that brings together 3,210 family businesses with more than 10,300 members in 58 countries around the world.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/speeches/2024/october.index.html
Speeches 2024 October
To the Delegation of the "Italian Family Business" Association - AIDAF (October 5)

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

Video at the link...

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2024-10/synod-press-briefing-day-4-lebanon-philippines-haiti-canada.html
Synod Briefing - Day 4: 'We must overcome fear of one another'
05 October 2024, 17:35

On Saturday, October 5, several participants in the Synod on Synodality brief journalists on the reports presented in the small working groups and express their hopes that the Synod second session can provide an opportunity to seek peace and respect for human rights.
By Antonella Palermo

The Synod General Assembly has launched an urgent plea for peace, which was discussed on October 4 during the work at the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality. Participants at the assembly condemned all forms of fundamentalism, saying: "we must all be artisans of peace."

At the same time, there was a widespread call to denounce the "main causes of all evils," namely the arms trade. These proceedings of the Synod were reported on October 5 at the day's press briefing in the Holy See Press Office by Paolo Ruffini and Sheila Leocádia Pires, president and secretary of the Synod’s Information Commission, respectively.
 
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/en/bollettino/pubblico/2024/10/05/241005b.html
#synod24 – Notice of Briefing, 05.10.2024

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259631/synod-on-synodality-breaking-news-and-analysis-live-from-the-vatican
Live updates: The Synod on Synodality debates the Catholic Church’s future
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Oct 5, 2024 / 10:30 am
 
The story so far

Oct. 5: A call for peace, and an announcement of dialogue

A Lebanese bishop makes an impassioned plea for peace and forgiveness at the Synod on Synodality’s daily press briefing on Saturday, as the assembly’s first week drew to a close.

Bishop Mounir Khairallah of Batroun shares his personal experience of violence and forgiveness, recounting how his parents were murdered when he was just five years old.

Meanwhile, a dialogue with study groups is announced for Oct. 18, after synod delegates vote for more interaction with the groups established by Pope Francis.
 

https://www.catholicnewsagency.com/news/259671/lebanese-bishop-makes-impassioned-plea-for-peace-at-synod-briefing
Lebanese bishop makes impassioned plea for peace at synod briefing
By CNA Staff
CNA Newsroom, Oct 5, 2024 / 10:35 am

A Lebanese bishop made an impassioned plea for peace and forgiveness at the Synod on Synodality’s daily press briefing on Saturday, as the assembly’s first week drew to a close.

Bishop Mounir Khairallah of Batroun shared his personal experience of violence and forgiveness, recounting how his parents were murdered when he was just five years old.
 
The Synod on Synodality will start its second week of discussions on Monday, Oct. 7, the day Pope Francis has called for a day of prayer and fasting for peace to mark the first anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel as violence continues to escalate throughout the region.

[grace-land]

Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops[ -- Oct. 2–27, 2024

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/10/synod-participants-lament-focus-on-niche-issues-such-as-womens-ordination
Synod participants lament focus on ‘niche issues’ such as women’s ordination
By Elise Ann Allen
Oct 5, 2024

ROME – Participants in this month’s Synod of Bishops on Synodality, who were chosen by the Vatican to take part in a news conference Friday, condemned what they said is an overly western agenda obsessed with “niche issues” such as women’s ordination, which, they said, takes attention away from other important topics.

Speaking during an Oct. 4 news briefing on the third day of the synod, Bishop Anthony Randazzo of Broken Bay and president of the Federation of Catholic Bishops’ Conferences of Oceania lamented that, “So often we get caught up with niche issues that we talk about in Europe or in North America.”

Oftentimes, he said, these issues come from “churches and communities that have great wealth, great access to technology, and resources.”
 

https://cruxnow.com/vatican/2024/10/womens-group-announces-protests-over-catastrophic-approach-in-synod
Women’s group announces protests over ‘catastrophic’ approach in synod
By Crux Staff
Oct 5, 2024

ROME – Referring to the handling of questions about the role of women in the church at the current Synod of Bishops on Synodality as “catastrophic,” a coalition of progressive reform groups has announced plans to stage protests.

“I see no desire on the part of the Vatican to seriously address the issue of women in church offices,” said Regina Franken, European chair of the Catholic Women’s Council, in remarks to KNA, the official news service of the Catholic bishops in Germany.

In an Oct. 2 presentation to the synod, Argentine Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández said that the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which he heads, has concluded there is “no room” for the ordination of women as deacons, while describing plans for a deeper study of ways in which women have exercised authority in the church without sacramental ordination.

Franken referred to that study as a “delaying tactic,” and said, “Women are no longer willing to accept these strategies.”

Yet, Franken said, “frustration is now turning into productive anger,” saying there will be protests in Rome over the next few days.
 

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-francis-mass-families-vatican-gendarmes.html

Pope: Vatican Gendarmes serve 'like angels watching over us'
05 October 2024, 21:46

Pope Francis presides at Mass on the feast of St. Michael the Archangel, the patron saint of the Vatican Gendarmerie Corps, and invites the Vatican police force to always demonstrate God's tenderness even as they perform their duties.
By Edoardo Giribaldi

The Vatican Gendarmerie Corps follows in the footsteps of Saint Michael, "like angels who guard and are in service," according to Pope Francis.

In his homily at Mass on Saturday evening, the Pope commended the work of the Vatican police force for the annual celebration near the feast of their patron saint, Michael the Archangel, which occurred on September 29.

Inclement weather forced the liturgy to be moved from the traditional location, the Grotta di Lourdes in the Vatican Gardens, to the Altar of the Chair in St. Peter's Basilica.
 
https://www.vatican.va/content/francesco/en/homilies/2024.index.html
Homilies 2024
Holy Mass for the Gendarmerie Corps of the Vatican City State (5 October 2024)

[grace-land]

https://www.vaticannews.va/en/pope/news/2024-10/pope-s-video-message-to-the-youth-of-the-archdiocese-of-madrid.html

Pope to young people: 'Let the Lord fill you with joy'
05 October 2024, 22:30

In a video message to participants in the "Madrid Live Meeting 2024," Pope Francis urges young people to let the Lord fill them with joy and to always welcome the wisdom of the elderly.
By Deborah Castellano Lubov

"Let the Lord fill you with joy!"

This was the heartfelt recommendation Pope Francis stressed in a video message sent on Saturday to the youth of the Archdiocese of Madrid.

They were taking part in the "Madrid Live Meeting 2024" under the motto "Joyful in Hope" in preparation for the 2025 Jubilee of Hope.

Pope Francis began by expressing his desire to be close to them and accompany their work.

In the video, the Holy Father reminded the young people to be courageous and to move forward, warning them against losing momentum and resigning themselves.