Just two days before the opening of the Synod on Synodality, a group of retired cardinals who have been critical of Pope Francis in the past published a list of “dubia” they had sent to the pope, asking him “yes or no” questions about whether he affirmed church teaching on a number of hot-button issues, including blessings for same-sex couples and the ordination of women to the priesthood.
In this episode of “Inside the Vatican,” host Colleen Dulle and veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell discuss the “dubia” and what Pope Francis’ responses, sent earlier this summer, reveal about the pope’s approach to these closely-watched topics as the synod begins.
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In the second half of the show, Colleen and Gerry turn their sights to the pre-synod events that have taken place in Rome over the last few days. Gerry explains the significance of the ecumenical prayer vigil hosted by the Taizé community on Sept. 30, and he and Colleen unpack some of the key messages delivered to the synod participants as they made a retreat outside of Rome.
Colleen also mentions the publication of “Laudate Deum,” the pope’s follow-up to “Laudato Si: On Care for Our Common Home” and gives updates on the case of Father Marko Rupnik and a proposed Vatican law that would remove abuser priests and any superiors who covered up for them.
Links from the show:
Synod Diary: Pope Francis’ response to the ‘dubia cardinals’ tells us a lot about the synod
Full text: Pope Francis’ homily opening the Synod on Synodality
Analysis: The synod is not Vatican III. It’s Pope Francis’ implementation of Vatican II.
‘Laudate Deum’: Pope Francis takes aim at U.S. emissions levels in new climate change document
Timothy Radcliffe, O.P.’s synod retreat reflections:
