His critics know Pope Francis "will not change,” said Father Sosa, adding, “In reality, these [attacks] are a way to influence the election of the next pope.”

Pope Francis does not aspire to fulfill his role as a theologian but as a pastor.

Latin is fine for academic work, writes the Rev. Joseph P. Amar, but not for worship. No ancient language can hope to speak with the clarity or immediacy of a modern, native language.

German Catholics are embarking on what is being called a “synodal journey,” but it promises to be a potentially rocky one, focusing on subjects the church usually avoids.

Catherine Osborne has produced a significant study of changing tastes in the construction of American Catholic churches between 1925 and 1975.

A supposed need for variety imposes more and more hymns on congregants, but the cost of novelty can be the full, active participation of those in the pews, writes John Zupez, S.J.