In “a note of accompaniment” to the final document, the pope made clear that Catholic bishops throughout the world are to lead their churches in building a synodal and missionary church in the 21st century.

The Editors: “Rather than a claim to know conscience’s demands for everyone, it is a challenge for voters to engage in deeper reflection, prayer and dialogue.”

The wide-ranging debate between Mr. Vance and Mr. Walz covered climate climate change, immigration, abortion, the economy and the state of democracy, among other issues.

It would be an exaggeration to call “Juno” pro-life, but it is encouraging to see a popular film diverge from the familiar culture war battle lines.

The Catholic Church has communicated with its flock throughout the centuries by means of papal bulls. But what on earth is a papal bull?

“Many conflicting, divergent and often contradictory views of the human person have found wide acceptance … they have led to holders of traditional theories being cancelled or even losing their jobs,” the bishops said.

A book on sexuality by the Vatican’s doctrinal chief may have raised eyebrows, but Pope Francis has long been calling for the church to offer more robust teaching on sex.

In just three months at the helm of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, Argentine Cardinal Victor Manuel “Tucho” Fernández has rapidly changed what was once the Vatican’s most formidable department.

How can the church unite clarity of teaching with pastoral closeness to people in their struggles?

A Reflection for Saturday of the Third Week of Advent, by Kerry Weber