Most modern constitutional states today describe themselves as republics. Such republics sound as though they have a lot in common with Catholic social teaching. They do.

The ghost of Pistoia is by now quite experienced at haunting Catholic memories.

Discussions around consent should become a commonplace feature of Catholic conversations about sexual ethics. They can serve especially as a corrective to the harmful use of “marital debt” rhetoric within Catholic culture.

As delegates prepare to gather in Rome for the Synod on Synodality, is clear that in the present moment, Pope Francis is calling us to be a truly listening church—a church of discernment.

The devil will no doubt be a participant in the Synod on Synodality, even if as a non-voting member. Why? Because the synod presents a ripe field for the devil’s mischief. And because the stakes are so high.

But it shouldn’t be as simple as that.