IMAGE: CNS photo/Vatican Media By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. According to a Vatican …

By Cindy Wooden VATICAN CITY (CNS) — Too many Christians today are "as long as" Christians, obeying God "as long as" God and the church meet their conditions and criteria for what is acceptable, just and righteous, Pope Francis said. The "conditions Christian," Pope Francis said, says things like: "’I …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. A few presentations also focused on the question of ordaining married "viri probati," …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Tyler Orsburn By Mark Pattison WASHINGTON (CNS) — So an impeachment query in the House, and a potential trial in the Senate, want to get in the way of legislation being considered in Congress? Take a number. Advocates for several Catholic organizations interviewed by Catholic News Service said …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. Panelists attending a Vatican briefing Oct. 7 …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Barbara J. Fraser VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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 …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Andrew Biraj, Catholic Standard By Mark Zimmermann WASHINGTON (CNS) — Addressing a congregation that included Supreme Court justices and law students attending the Oct. 6 Red Mass at the Cathedral of St. Matthew the Apostle in Washington, Archbishop Wilton D. Gregory encouraged those involved in law to reflect …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. "The Holy Spirit is the primary actor in the synod. Please, do …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Junno Arocho Esteves VATICAN CITY (CNS) — 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. Celebrating the opening Mass …

IMAGE: CNS photo/Paul Haring By Carol Glatz VATICAN CITY (CNS) — In a ceremony to create 13 new cardinals, 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 …