The influential Christian philosopher René Girard has died aged 91 (2008 interview). A US bishops' committee has called for an “expansion of opportunities for Catholics and Lutherans to receive Holy Communion together” (PDF, Fr Dwight Longenecker). Forbes has named Pope Francis as the world's fourth most powerful person (full list). John Allen, Alejandro Bermúdez, Angus MacKinnon and James Reynolds comment on the new Vatican leaks. Massimo Faggioli, Sandro Magister and Janet E Smith reflect on the synod. Erin Conway-Smith assesses whether Pope Francis will become "the first modern pontiff to visit an active war zone" this month. And a new facial reconstruction suggests that St Martin de Porres had only two teeth when he died. Follow me on Twitter @lukecoppen for updates throughout the day.