“What we now consider to be eternal truth was really only formulated at Trent, and that’s not understood by many synod fathers.”

“What we have lived through is a great reason for every Catholic to rejoice in the charism and the grace that is given to the Bishop of Rome.”

The synod's final report addressed the pastoral needs of those who are often cast aside to the margins of society, those who are often neglected and abandoned in a world that places profit over value.

Australian Cardinal George Pell said the final report of the Synod of Bishops on the family did not create an opening for the divorced and civilly remarried to receive Communion. Other synod members took a different view and acknowledged that the paragraph in question was being read differently.

The pope has introduced “a far more open approach to addressing pastoral issues."

“Today is a time of mercy!” This was the parting message Pope Francis gave to the 270 synod fathers from some 120 countries at the closing Mass for the Synod on the Family in St. Peter’s Basilica, Oct. 25.He has made this same declaration several times since his election as pope on