Pope Francis gives a blessing during a special audience with Paralympic athletes in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.

"I have seen and I have heard – with joy and appreciation – speeches and interventions full of faith, of pastoral and doctrinal zeal, of wisdom, of frankness and of courage." – Pope Francis in his speech at the conclusion of the Synod on the Family on Oct. 18, 2014.

Did you know?

The Synod of Bishops was established by Pope Paul VI in 1965 after the Second Vatican Council to continue the spirit of collegiality and communion present at the Council.