Social Progress and Social Worrying -- Synod of the Americas

A meeting of the council for the Synod of the Americas released the results of the session, especially focusing upon poverty and social unrest that exists in Latin and South America. Especially of concern for the participants is the "rising number of abortions and divorces, the poverty and social instability of Latin America, the violence in the region, and drug trafficking." (from CWN)

The Synod council's statement made clear its displeasure with movements to build a "border wall blocking illegal immigration from Mexico into the United States." Members of the council are of the opinion that a wall will not address the underlying problems that exist in many Latin and South American nations.

The council (5 Cardinals and 6 Bishops --- almost a football team ... maybe Pope Benedict serves as quarterback) ... reported a 17% increase in vocations to priesthood from the two areas while women religious vocations continued its decline.