Ask a Franciscan

Illustration of Pope Francis

Does Pope Francis Believe in Hell?

During a recent interview, Pope Francis raised the possibility that no one is in hell. Really? If so, doesn’t that mean, “Anything goes”?  In his January 20 “Letter from Rome” for La Croix International’s e-newsletter, Robert Mickens wrote that the ...
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sperm meets the egg

Is Egg Donation Morally Acceptable?

A family member is giving her frozen eggs to women who can’t conceive. If we are to preserve human life in all its forms, shouldn’t these eggs be given a chance to live?
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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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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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