We now know everyone who will participate in the historic month-long gathering at the Vatican this October.

Preparations for the upcoming Synod have prompted an important question: How might the local church of the United States become a powerful witness of the good news amid cries for racial healing and justice?

At the Synod on Synodality’s Roman meetings, lay men and women have both been included for the first time as full, voting members. But, argues the Rev. Louis Cameli, if this synod is not to be a “parliament,” as Pope Francis often warns, perhaps there should be no voting in the synod at all.

Any limitations and rules regarding media access and communications during the upcoming Synod of Bishops are rooted in the “essence” of a synod, said the head of the synod’s communication committee.

If you trust the Holy Spirit, there’s no reason to fear Pope Francis or the Synod.

Pope Francis has a problem with American Catholic ideologues. Maybe he’s talking about you.