Catholic News Service

As the Catholic Church continues to reflect on synodality through a two-year process of listening and dialogue, a panel of six notable theologians and canonists discussed the nature of consultation and decision-making in a synodal church.

After reading Linda Sue Park's novel, A Long Walk to Water, and learning that clean and accessible water is a luxury to many residents of South Sudan, the seventh graders in Tess Veazey's honors reading class at Our Lady of Lourdes School in Slidell sprang into action and raised $400 for a nonprofit that drills water wells in that African country.

The chairman of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops' Committee on International Justice and Peace praised a  statement announcing the lifting of restrictions against Cuba by the Biden administration, particularly those measures that will help family reunification.

Archbishop Heiner Koch of Berlin has asked forgiveness for the church's discrimination against people because of their sexual orientation.

Mass celebrated by Cardinal Sarah, was part of the closing celebration of the 200th anniversary of the dedication of the basilica, the first Catholic cathedral built in the United States.

Pope Francis praised the way people have faced the trials and losses in their lives with a firmness of faith in God's promises and love.

Poverty and inequality, which are major factors in child labor exploitation, must be addressed, Pope Francis said in a written message.

Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, encouraged men and women in the military to download a new app designed to connect them to the Catholic faith and provide the consolation of prayer in times of war and uncertainty.

Several US Catholic bishops expressed sorrow and called out racism and gun violence after reports of mass shooting in Buffalo, New York, that left at least three injured and 10 dead — a crime  likely motivated by hatred for Black people.

To truly be a "field hospital," the Catholic Church and its projects must be "concerned more with those who suffer than with defending its own interests," Pope Francis said.

Israeli riot-control police attacked mourners and pallbearers as thousands came to pay their respects at the May 13 funeral of prominent Palestinian-American journalist Shereen Abu Akleh.

Jesuit Fr. Sam Sawyer has been named the editor-in-chief of America magazine, a national weekly Jesuit publication based in New York. Currently a senior editor and the director of digital strategy at America Media, of which the magazine is a part, Sawyer will start in his new role Dec. 1

Divided Christians must recognize how their sins have fractured Christ's church, be honest about the struggles their communities are facing and be humble enough to recognize that others have gifts they need, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis is being very careful to ensure that he offers solidarity and hope to suffering Ukrainians while not doing or saying anything to endanger a possibility for dialogue, said Archbishop Paul R. Gallagher, the Vatican foreign minister.

Bishop Stephan Ackermann will step down from his position as spokesman on abuse issues for the German bishops' conference in September, the conference announced May 12.

Wanting to go back to the way things were in the past is not Christian, Pope Francis said.

A Nigerian priest kidnapped In March died while in captivity, according to the Archdiocese of Kaduna, Nigeria.

Jordan's King Abdullah II and Queen Rania were honored May 9 with the annual Path to Peace Award from the foundation that supports the work of the Vatican Mission to the United Nations.

 An audit ordered by the Vatican into the Archdiocese of Buenos Aires has revealed irregularities in the sales of church assets, with properties being disposed of controversially. The audit said no crimes were committed.

Among the 10 men and women Pope Francis will proclaim as the Catholic Church's newest saints is a Dutch priest and journalist who stood his ground against Nazi ideology and paid for it with his life.