ncouraging greater “synodal” practices in the Catholic Church should help the church find a greater balance between the power of the pope and the power of local bishops in their dioceses, said theologians participating in the Synod of Bishops.

Members of the synod on synodality are only moving along the paths where there is consensus, said a group of theologians assisting the synod.

Pope Francis will create 21 new cardinals, including the Toronto prelate, at a consistory in St. Peter’s Basilica the afternoon of Dec. 7 and present them with their red hats.

The naming of a Japanese atomic bomb survivors group as this year’s Nobel Peace Prize recipient is “fitting … during this time of heightened geopolitical tension,” said Archbishop John C. Wester of Santa Fe, N.M., who has traveled to Japan on several peace pilgrimages and also released a 2022 pastoral letter on nuclear disarmament.

Each year, churches around the world commemorate World Mission Sunday to highlight, encourage and promote the Catholic Church’s missions around the world.