Ask a Franciscan

Painting of Bartolomé de las Casas

Admitting Gross Historical Injustices

Call it tribalism, but I’ve always cast a skeptical eye on the Dominicans ever since I learned about their role in the Inquisition. Do you have any advice for thinking about historical misdeeds?
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Bishops pray at the start of a session of the Synod of Bishops on Young People, Faith and Vocational Discernment at the Vatican Oct. 9, 2018. (OSV News file photo/Paul Haring, CNS)

What Follows the October 2023 Synod?

What happens after this four-week meeting during which many diverse viewpoints have been expressed? How will the process work? Will the results wind up in a binder gathering dust?
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IVs in a hospital | Photo by insung yoon on Unsplash

What If a Pope Becomes Comatose?

When I heard that Pope Francis was undergoing surgery requiring general anesthesia, I wondered who would be in charge of the Church while he was incapacitated.
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Baby being bpatized

Can This Child be Baptized?

My daughter and her boyfriend are not married but would like their newborn to be baptized in the Catholic Church.
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Pope Francis gives a speech

What Will the October 2023 Synod Discuss?

Pope Francis has called for a synod to be held in Rome, starting in October 2023 with another session in October 2024.
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Man praying

Is God Listening to My Prayers?

Although I keep praying, little happens. What else can I do?
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Grandson kissing his grandmother

Does God Change?

God can appear harsh in the Old Testament, compared to the just and merciful God of today. How is this possible?
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Do you have a question for Father Pat McCloskey, OFM? The author of St. Anthony Messenger’s popular “Ask a Franciscan” column is ready to answer your toughest questions!

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