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.

Fr. James Martin shares his five insights from the synod's final document, just approved by Pope Francis and published by the Vatican.

At midday yesterday, the Vatican released Pope Francis’ latest encyclical, “Dilexit Nos,” in which he invites us, the faithful, to return to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and rediscover our own hearts.

“I am convinced that we cannot wait to take steps forward for the empowerment of women in the church” by distinguishing what requires ordination and what does not, Cardinal Fernández told about 100 synod members.

At a time when the church’s doctrinal teachings on faith and morals are questioned everywhere, the relevance of such teachings to the believers brought up in diverse contexts is of utmost importance.