Listen: "The Vatican Briefing" is a new podcast featuring Vatican experts Joshua J. McElwee and Christopher White. In the first episode, they discuss the issues before the synod, and interview one of the first-ever lay synod members.
Distinctly Catholic: Commentators have noted that this pope has now appointed 53% of the cardinal electors. But we should be cautious about predicting certain consequences from that.
A high number of bishops in dioceses across the country are reaching the traditional retirement age of 75. The unusual circumstance of such a grouping of openings gives the pope a unique chance to make a long-lasting mark in a relatively short period of time on the direction of the U.S. church.
Vatican City - In a ceremony marking the creation of 14 new cardinals, Pope Francis said, "The only credible form of authority is born of sitting at the feet of others in order to serve."
