Men's college basketball's finest squad did not come from one of the N.C.A.A. powerhouses of the past three decades, but from the University of San Francisco, where Bill Russell led the team to consecutive national championships in 1955 and 1956.

Among the main concerns they mentioned were the role of the laity, especially of women; the contribution of the church on ecology in light of the encyclical “Laudato Si’”; and “spiritual conversation,” a method of discernment that was adopted to structure discussions during the first assembly that could become a major legacy of the synod.

John Martens joins “Jesuitical” to shine a light on the Bible passages that have shaped Pope Francis’ focus on mercy.

We must all learn to change our mindset regarding our role and participation in ecclesial life if we want to experience a truly synodal church.

A Reflection for Friday of the First Week in Ordinary Time, by James T. Keane

Pope Francis declined to read his prepared remarks during an audience with Catholic communicators from France, saying he has bronchitis and “can’t speak well.”