In 1984, then-associate editor Thomas J. Reese, S.J., explained in depth how bishops are selected—from the initial vetting process to final confirmation by the pope and the bishop himself.

Members of the Synod on Synodality called for giving lay people “a greater voice in choosing bishops.” What would that look like in practice?

Kamala Harris did worse with women, Hispanics and young people than did the Democratic candidates in the last two presidential election.

Pope Francis preaches about synodality, but the canon lawyers are showing us how to make it more than a pious wish that can be ignored by pastors and bishops who prefer to stick to the old ways.

Francis has revolutionized the College of Cardinals by passing over large archdioceses like Los Angeles, Venice and Milan in favor of picking men from the peripheries who reflect his pastoral orientation and concern for the poor. 

The second session of the Synod on Synodality will take place this October as a follow-up to the first session that occurred last October. Here are five things to look for as the synod delegates gather in Rome.

When someone is undergoing a crisis of faith, they may need to leave their old image of God for a new one.

False prophets tell us that global warming will not happen, microplastics do not cause cancer, guns will protect us, and the poor need to suffer to motivate them to work.

Catholics are a good weathervane for how the country will vote: If you win Catholics, you likely win the country.

It is not surprising that Pierre Teilhard de Chardin, an eminent paleontologist, got himself in trouble with church officials and his Jesuit superiors.