The official logo for the Synod of Bishops. Image: CNS. Dioceses across Australia will this weekend hold launches to mark the commencement of local participation in the two-year journey towards the 2023 Synod of Bishops. Last Sunday, Pope Francis celebrated a Mass to launch the global process for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which has the theme “For a Synoda...

The United States House of Representatives have last week passed what opponents consider one of the most extreme abortion bills ever seen in the nation – the Women’s Health Protection Act. The measures of the Bill establish the legal right to abortion on demand at any stage of pregnancy in all 50 states under federal law.

The upcoming Syod of Bishops, opened by Pope Francis at the Vatican 9 to 10, and the bishop of every diocese should open the process in his diocese 17 October – will focus on listening to and consulting the people of God. Pope Francis said that as the bishop, it was important he explain how the synodal process should work and why.

Pope Francis is welcomed by hundreds of men, women and children at Bratislava international airport 12 September. After his arrival in Bratislava, Pope Francis was whisked away to the apostolic nunciature, where he met with ecumenical leaders and reflected on the freedom shared in the country.

The Vatican has this week issued the preparatory document and a “handbook” for dioceses as part of the global church’s preparation for the 2023 assembly of the Synod of Bishops, discussing the theme, “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.”

Pope Francis has last weekend told members of the organisation, Leaders Pour la Paix (Leaders for Peace) that it is important to promote a ‘culture of faces,’ which places the dignity of the person at the centre, a respect for his or her story, especially if they are wounded and marginalised.

By means of policies and regulations, lawmakers can protect human dignity from whatever may threaten it. Those were the words of Pope Francis who spoke to members and representatives of the International Catholic Legislators Network, who were in Rome for an annual conference, on 27 August.

The Australian Catholic Bishops’ Conference, in conjunction with the Justice Ecology Development Office (JEDO), have last week launched the Social Justice Statement 2021-2022: Cry of the Earth, Cry of the Poor at Newman College. The Statement calls for an economic and ecological conversion, asserting that “humanity is called to recognise the need for changes of lifestyle, production and consumption, in order to combat this warming or at least the human causes which produce or aggravate it.”

In conjunction with the 71st National Liturgical Week in Cremona, Italy, the Vatican Secretary of State on behalf of Pope Francis, reflected on how the COVID-19 pandemic confirmed changes previously underway in people’s understanding and participation in Sunday Mass. By Carol Glatz, Catholic News Service.

Mary’s assumption into Heaven reminds people that they are also called by God to eternal life in Heaven through humility and serving him, Pope Francis said on the Feast of the Assumption. By Carol Glatz.