Saint Joseph Catholic Church

The special ‘study groups’ set up by Pope Francis have released interim reports on their work, as have two new group established later by Pope Leo.

The study groups, commissioned after the Synod meeting of October 2024, were originally asked to submit their reports by June. Pope Leo extended the deadline for final reports to the end of December.

Although most of the interim reports focused on the collection of different perspectives and opinions, one noteworthy facet of the report from the study group assigned to discuss controversial issues expressed a preference to instead describe these issues as “emerging,” naming “homosexuality, conflicts and non-violent practice of the Gospel, and violence against women in situations of armed conflict.”

The study groups formed by Pope Francis are discussing: the Eastern churches, poverty, the digital environment, priestly formation, the role of women in the Church, bishops, consecrated life, papal nuncios, ecumenism, and “emerging” issues. Pope Leo added two groups, to reflect on the liturgy and polygamy.

Pope Leo XIV has sent a message of encouragement to participants in a conference being held in Rome this week, under the auspices of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, about providing safeguards against abuse in religious orders.

The Pope’s message stressed the need for community life that protects the dignity of everyone, especially the most vulnerable.

Pope Leo XIV met on November 17 with members of the Catholic Biblical Foundation, and told them that “your mission and vision should always be inspired by the conviction that the Church draws life not from herself but from the Gospel.”

The Pontiff reminded the group of the teaching of the Vatican document Dei Verbum, citing the need to “hear the Word of God with reverence and to proclaim it with faith,” and to offer “easy access to Sacred Scripture.” He remarked that the latter goal, easy access to Scripture, takes on new meaning in the digital age, when the internet offers instant access.

The Church celebrates the Memorial of St. Elizabeth of Hungary (1207-1231), religious. She was the daughter of Andrew II, King of Hungary, and wife of Duke Louis IV of Thuringia. She is famous for her great kindness and inexhaustible charity towards the poor and the sick.

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Gospel Excerpt, Year C, Lk 21:5-19: "Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom. There will be powerful earthquakes, famines, and plagues from place to place; and awesome sights and mighty signs will come from the sky.

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