The 58-year-old Portuguese Cardinal José Tolentino de Mendonça is widely recognized not only as a poet but also as one of the leading intellectuals of the Roman Curia.

In an exclusive interview with Gerard O’Connell, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, one of the synod’s most influential figures, discusses the role of women, bishops and all the baptized in a synodal church.

A 30-page "working tool” for the Synod on Synodality’s second session in October was presented at a Vatican press conference on July 9. The document focuses on one specific question: “How to be a synodal church in mission?”

Archbishop Carlo Maria Viganò, who has publicly stated that he does not recognize the legitimacy of Pope Francis, has been declared excommunicated for schism by the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith.

The Vatican’s first auditor general, Libero Milone, who was forced to resign in June 2017, claims he was framed and says Pope Francis was deceived by Cardinal Angelo Becciu.

Archbishop Viganò said he “does not recognize” the authority of the Dicastery of the Doctrine for the Faith or of Pope Francis.