Pope Francis on Oct. 11 marked the 60th anniversary of the Second Vatican Council by pleading for the church to "overcome all polarization and preserve our communion."
Michael Sean Winters rounds up political news and commentary: St. Louis' archbishop teaches what the church teaches; Delta variant in rural America; more Latin Mass reaction; the plight of young women in Afghanistan.
Commentary: I believe Francis' reiteration of a unified liturgical practice, both in the Eastern and Western churches, includes a call to reflect on areas of disunity and "missing the mark" in the Catholic community.
Distinctly Catholic: As we react to restored Latin Mass restrictions, it is a time for charity toward one another, an openness to sharing divergent liturgical tastes, a commitment to renewing the unity of the church.
Commentary: Pope Francis regards restoration of the Vatican II liturgy to be of the utmost seriousness. In effect, the reimposed restrictions will dry up the supply of priests who can celebrate the Tridentine Mass.
Signs of the Times: Fr. Tom Reese offers some ideas on improving liturgy, to get the conversation going on how to develop good liturgy that is supported by a consensus within the community.
Explainer: A new instruction has banned the practice of individual Masses inside St. Peter's Basilica and places strict limits on the use of the Latin rite. What does this new decision mean and whom will it affect?
A change in wording to the concluding doxology of orations in the Roman Missal, from "one God, for ever and ever" to "God, for ever and ever," took effect on Ash Wednesday, Feb. 17.
