The Synod on Synodality of the Catholic Church faces diverse problems in diverse areas of the world, especially in the global south.

The fourth plenary assembly of the Synodal Path in Frankfurt ended Sept. 10 with a series of far-reaching reform resolutions.

For all the buzz surrounding its publication, the Irish synod synthesis is both sober and humble in tone and yet inspiring and hopeful.

Cardinal Robert McElroy reflects on receiving the red hat from Pope Francis and discusses the points of consensus as well as disagreement at the first worldwide meeting of cardinals since 2014.

“Fraternal correction and dialogue” were something very positive, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, said, but a “public denunciation” was not helpful and only led to further polarization.

The pope will create 20 new cardinals on Aug. 27. Sixteen of them are eligible to vote in a papal conclave, and 11 are from or based in countries outside Europe and North America.