These reports give some interesting insights into the positions taken by the 270 synod fathers, but they do not tell the whole story as the 13 groups submitted more than 500 amendments that can had a determining impact on the final text.

“The real work of this synod happens in the small group discussions,” and the Holy Spirit has been alive in those discussions, Bishop Murry told America in an interview.

Pope Francis believes in starting processes that can develop over time, and are not caught in the trap of having to get rapid results or immediate solutions.

After all the effort put into consulting ordinary Catholics, I suspect many of us in the pews are wondering, “Did they listen? Do they ‘get it’”?

A former fan hops off the current pop culture party train

Several fathers believe there could be route between the polarized positions on admitting divorced and remarried Catholics to the Eucharist.