Stephanie Yeagle

"Hope amid turmoil." The theme of Global Sisters Report's overarching series for 2023 is also an apt description of the stories we published this past year. 

The opening of the synod on synodality, and Pope Francis' appointments and removals bishops and church officials involved in the culture wars were among topics that NCR's opinion writers took on in 2023. 

NCR's top 10 most read stories for 2023 highlight Pope Francis' synod on synodality, along with some decisive actions made by the 87-year-old pope.

These four positions will not only support our stellar journalism, but also help us grow in the digital media space with social media, videos and audio.

GSR's Hope Amid Turmoil series looks at the ministries of women religious serving in dangerous places worldwide. We pause midway through the series to remind readers of the memorable stories and columns we've published.

Watch: NCR Vatican correspondent Christopher White discusses Pope Francis' 10th anniversary with Kate McElwee, executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference and Bishop John Stowe of Lexington, Kentucky.

These 10 pieces were NCR's most read opinion articles and commentaries of 2022, including thoughts on the U.S. bishops' conference, Pope Francis' implementation of Vatican II, and the overturning of Roe v. Wade.

NCR's top 10 news stories for 2022 highlight calls for change in the Catholic Church. Amid the hope that Pope Francis' synod on synodality will lead to transformation, though, opposition to Francis' efforts continue.

Watch: Soul Seeing for Lent host Michael Leach speaks with Franciscan Sr. Ilia Delio about finding God in everything and balancing spirituality and science.

Watch: NCR culture/opinion editor Olga Segura speaks to Tia Noelle Pratt and Byron Wratee about reclaiming space for Black Catholics in both the church and society.

Watch: Soul Seeing for Lent host Michael Leach talks with Nicole Symmonds about finding humanity on Twitter, spreading positivity and her journey to Catholicism. 

Watch: Host Michael Leach speaks with Jesuit Fr. Jim Martin about the power of prayer and having honest conversations with God.

Watch: Host Michael Leach speaks with Loretto Sr. Jeannine Gramick about her ministry, her correspondence with Pope Francis and what she's doing this Lent.

NCR Live: Two theologians talk about the controversy surrounding Catholic baptisms in Arizona that were declared invalid because the priest used a slightly modified formula of the traditional rite.

2021 continued to show our need to connect with each other and focus on important issues and topics. The following 10 pieces were NCR's most read opinion articles and commentaries of the year.

COVID-19 continued to dominate 2021's headlines, despite available vaccinations and many mask mandates. Meanwhile, Pope Francis made some radical changes to the church's power structure, including plans for the 2023 Synod of Bishops. He also said there's a moral obligation to get vaccinated.

Tell us: In this season of longing and hope, with much uncertainty still hanging over our heads, NCR requested that our readers share their favorite Christmas recipe and why it means so much to them.

Tell us: As we approach the Christmas season, full of longing and hope, we are asking readers to share their favorite Christmas recipe and why it means so much to them.

Watch: Four experts discuss the U.S. bishops' controversial document on "eucharistic coherence," which was originally planned to cover denying Communion to pro-choice politicians such as President Joe Biden.

NCR Live: A conversation about Pope Francis' vision for the 2021-23 Catholic Synod of Bishops with San Diego Bishop Robert McElroy and St. Joseph Sr. Katie Eiffe, director of synodal planning for the Diocese of Syracuse, New York.