In the November-December issue of Inside the Vatican: our Lead story profiles the Latin Catholic Patriarch of Jerusalem, Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, and his offer of himself as hostage in place of innocent civilians in Gaza; we cover extensively the Synod on Synodality which ended October 28, and its implications for the Church; the modern Popes give us moving spiritual reflections on Christmas, accompanied by art of the Nativity; and Anthony Esolen offers a Christmas meditation on “Matthew’s Astonishing Account of Christ’s Birth.”
LEAD STORY
Jerusalem Patriarch Pizzaballa offers himself as hostage by ITV staff/CNA
DOSSIER: 2023 SYNOD ON SYNODALITY
The Synod on Synodality is (finally) over: Where will the Church go from here? by Christina Deardurff
Understanding this historic Synod has just begun by ITV staff
A Primer on the Synod on Synodality by Courtney Mares (CNA)
Does “synodality” have any basis in theology? by Christina Deardurff
Voices of the Synod: A Palette of Many Shades by ITV staff/Vatican News
An Orthodox bishop — an invited participant — reflects on the Synod by Jovan Tripkovic
CHRISTMAS ART ESSAY/The Popes speak to us of welcoming the Child
“He came for me” Pope Paul VI
“The Grace of God has appeared” Pope John Paul II
“God has revealed Himself” Pope Benedict XVI
“His hands became the cradle of God” Pope Francis
CULTURE
Spirituality/An Embarassment of Riches: Pope Francis’ exhortation on Thérèse of Lisieux by Suzie Andres
Interview/Sr. Prudence Allen: Understanding the nature of “woman,” part 2 by Barbara Middleton
Scripture /Matthew’s Astonishing Account of Christ’s Birth by Anthony Esolen
Spirituality Behind Bars/Jesus seeks out the Gadarenes by Marcellus Roberts
URBI ET ORBI: CATHOLICISM AND ORTHODOXY
Icon/The Creed: The Life-giving Death of Jesus by Robert Wiesner
East-West Watch/Partnership Between Russian Church and State by Peter Anderson
News from the East/Ukrainian parliament approves draft bill outlawing Ukrainian Orthodox Church; Pope Francis tries to defuse schism danger in India; and more by Matthew Trojacek
FEATURES
Tradition and Beauty/The Forgotten Song of Christmas by Aurelio Porfiri
Art/Rome’s Obelisks: From War Trophies to Pilgrim Markers by Lucy Gordan
Lord of the World/”We shall all go before God together” by Monsignor Robert Hugh Benson
Vatican Watch/A day-by-day chronicle of Vatican events: August-September 2023 by Matthew Trojacek
People/Pope meets Rocky; Iraqui Cardinal seeks government recognition; Indian Christians want equal treatment; newborn among beatified martyrs; Cardinal: “love,” not “conversion” by Matthew Trojacek
Food for Thought/Treviso’s own radicchio rosso by Mother Martha
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