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.

Pope Francis addressed the people from his studio window overlooking Saint Peter’s Square on 8 August, as he led the Angelus. His message – that Without Christ, Christians could only “get by” because He is the only one who can nourish their souls and He is the only one who can “forgive us from that evil that we cannot overcome on our own.” By Junno Arocho Esteves, CNS.

Members for two commissions charged with assisting the leaders of the Synod of Bishops’ general secretariat in reviewing documents, drafting resources, and developing best practices for the 2023 Synod of Bishops on synodality have been announced by The Vatican. The theme chosen by Pope Francis for the next synod is “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.” By Junno Arocho Esteves.

“Have I visited my grandparents, my elderly relatives, the older people in my neighborhood? Have I listened to them? Have I spent time with them?” Pope Francis has said Sunday 25 July in his homily marking the first World Day for Grandparents and the Elderly.

An exhibition of photographs and objects belonging to Emeritus Pope Benedict XVI is displayed at Poli Art Gallery, Rome, and online from 29 June to 22 December 2021.