Carol Glatz

Fifty years have passed since St. Paul VI instituted the ministries of lector and acolyte, opening them to the laity, and Pope Francis wants a formal "dialogue" with the world's bishops' conferences to discuss their experiences with the ongoing promotion of the church's ministries so they foster unity and evangelization.

Marking the six-month anniversary of the start of Russia's war against Ukraine, Pope Francis renewed his appeal for prayers for an end to "the horror of war."

One canon lawyer and consultor of the Pontifical Council for Legislative Texts said the "obvious symbolism" of visiting L'Aquila would be the perfect opportunity for the pope to finally promulgate legislation needed to fill many gaps regarding a pope who resigns.

Pope Francis asked people to pray for those running small- and medium-sized businesses since they contribute so much to the good of the local community and are still hard-hit by so many crises.

Interreligious dialogue and cooperation are needed more than ever during this time when people and the planet are facing multiple threats, Pope Francis told a delegation of Buddhists from Thailand.

War produces tremendous poverty, and its violence strikes those who are defenseless and vulnerable, Pope Francis said. "In these situations, reason is darkened, and those who feel its effects are the countless ordinary people who end up being added to the already great numbers of those in need."

"Wrinkles are a sign of experience, a sign of life, a sign of maturity, a sign of having made a journey. Do not touch them to become young," the pope said June 8 at his weekly general audience in St. Peter's Square.

Pope Francis on June 5 appealed to world leaders to start "real negotiations" to end to the war on Ukraine and avoid bringing the world to ruin.

The Vatican stamp and coin office has released several commemorative coins, including one promoting the importance of vaccinations and a silver medal for peace in Ukraine; proceeds from sales of the medal will be used to help victims of the war.

Pope Francis has appointed new members of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments, including Chicago Cardinal Blase Cupich.

Of all the Catholic clergy who have made significant scientific contributions, more than half of them have been Jesuits. Br. Guy Consolmagno, director of the Vatican Observatory, gave a recent lecture in New York City that highlighted some of these standout figures.

After he led the recitation of the "Regina Coeli" prayer with visitors in St. Peter's Square May 22, the pope invited everyone to take part in "Laudato Si' Week," which runs May 22-29.

As the Catholic Church continues to reflect on synodality through a two-year process of listening and dialogue, a panel of six notable theologians and canonists discussed the nature of consultation and decision-making in a synodal church.

Pope Francis praised the way people have faced the trials and losses in their lives with a firmness of faith in God's promises and love.

Poverty and inequality, which are major factors in child labor exploitation, must be addressed, Pope Francis said in a written message.

Wanting to go back to the way things were in the past is not Christian, Pope Francis said.

Christians must listen to God's word, go where Christ goes, seek those who are lost and reach out to their neighbors, Pope Francis said.

Pope Francis and his international Council of Cardinals met in-person at the Vatican April 25, discussing the war in Ukraine, the Vatican press office said.

If young people recognize all that they have received with gratitude and older people take the initiative of relaunching hope in young people for their future, then nothing can stop the flourishing of God's blessings among people, Pope Francis said.

Having "the smell of sheep" for one military chaplain serving in Ukraine has now meant being surrounded by the smell of burned homes and lives.