Pope Francis, your encyclical on the Sacred Heart, “Dilexit Nos,” is beautiful and heartwarming. And for Catholics in the United States, the timing was perfect.

Too often, Catholics expect Pope Francis to reflect their personal or political convictions perfectly, forgetting that he is the head of a global church, not of a political party of any particular country.

Cardinal McElroy shared his reflections on the synod with America Vatican correspondent Gerard O'Connell in this wide-ranging interview at the North American College in Rome.

Pope Francis asked the Dicastery for Communication to find creative ways of continuing to share the Gospel––while simultaneously reducing their expenses.

Pope Francis delivered a homily during the closing Mass for the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter's Basilica Oct. 27.

"I do not intend to publish an apostolic exhortation. What we have approved is enough," Pope Francis said. Instead, he ordered the publication of the synod's final document.