Pope Francis & Synod On Synodality: A Journey Of Listening
Can a global gathering of religious leaders truly reshape the future of the Church? The ongoing Synod on Synodality, convened by Pope Francis, is boldly attempting to do just that fostering a more inclusive and collaborative approach to faith, aiming to listen and respond to the diverse voices within the Catholic community.
On a Wednesday, in St. Peter's Square, the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality commenced, marked by a Mass concelebrated by over 400 priests, bishops, and cardinals. Pope Francis, in his opening address, underscored the core message: "For a synodal church." This declaration sets the stage for a profound shift in how the Church operates, emphasizing the importance of collective discernment and shared responsibility. For Pope Francis, the journey of the Synod on Synodality itself is the destination a process of listening to the lived experiences of all members and "walking with them."
| Name | Jorge Mario Bergoglio |
| Born | December 17, 1936 (age 87 years), Buenos Aires, Argentina |
| Title | Pope of the Catholic Church, Bishop of Rome |
| Pontificate Began | March 13, 2013 |
| Previous Roles | Archbishop of Buenos Aires, Argentina; Cardinal |
| Education | Master's in Chemistry, Philosophy, Theology |
| Key Initiatives | Emphasis on social justice, environmental protection, interfaith dialogue, and reform within the Catholic Church |
| Notable Writings | Evangelii Gaudium, Laudato Si', Fratelli Tutti |
| Website Reference | Official Vatican Website |
In October 2015, commemorating the 50th anniversary of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis highlighted the necessity of collaborative efforts within the Church, stating that "the world in which we live, and which we are called to love and serve, even with its contradictions, demands that the Church strengthen cooperation in all areas of her mission." This call for collaboration serves as a guiding principle for the synodal process, encouraging a more unified approach to addressing the challenges and opportunities facing the Church in the modern world.
On October 26, 2024, in the Paul VI Audience Hall at the Vatican, Pope Francis addressed the members of the Synod of Bishops after they approved their final document. This assembly, representing the fifth synod of Pope Francis's pontificate, marked a notable departure from tradition. Unlike previous synods, Pope Francis chose not to issue a postsynodal apostolic exhortation. Instead, the approved text itself would be the primary outcome, signaling a significant change in the way the Church addresses major issues.
Vatican City, October 27, 2024, 08:55 AM. The closing assembly of the global Synod on Synodality culminated on a Sunday, with Pope Francis calling for a Church that "hears the cry of the world." This resonated throughout the final document, underscoring the Church's commitment to engaging with the pressing issues of the day while remaining true to its core values. The final document recalls the historic signing of the Document on Human Fraternity by Pope Francis and the Grand Imam in 2019. It proclaims that "a synodal Church commits itself to walk this path alongside the believers of other religions and people of other beliefs wherever it lives. It freely shares the joy of the gospel and gratefully receives their respective gifts."
It is in that spirit that we begin working today, Pope Francis stated, emphasizing the focus of the synod. He clarified that the synod is not a parliament, nor is it a casual gathering among friends designed to address contemporary problems or express personal opinions. Let us not forget, brothers and sisters, that we are not the protagonist of the synod: it is the Holy Spirit. This emphasis on the role of the Holy Spirit underscores the Church's reliance on divine guidance throughout the synodal process.
As part of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis announced an ecumenical prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square, scheduled for September. This prayer vigil, organized by the Taiz Community, serves as a powerful symbol of unity and solidarity, highlighting the importance of prayer and reflection in the journey towards a more synodal Church. During mass in St. Peter's Square, which served as the opening of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality at the Vatican in October, Pope Francis delivered his homily.
The final document of the synod on synodality "participates in the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter." As such, Pope Francis asks that it be accepted. This declaration signifies the importance of the synod's conclusions and their place within the Church's teaching authority. Intervention of the Holy Father at the 18th General Congregation of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 25 October 2023.
Preparation is key to the success of this process. As Pope Francis emphasized, it is necessary that the local churches work at their preparation with the participation of all (address at the conclusion of the II extraordinary assembly of the synod of bishops, 7 December 1985). This highlights the vital role of local communities in the wider synodal journey, ensuring that the voices of all are heard.
Pope Francis, addressing the synod assembly on a Saturday evening, highlighted that the final document was the result of more than three years of listening to the people of God. It was written over the course of the 2nd session of the synod on sinodality, which began on 2 October, following a process of listening and dialogue. Pope Francis immediately approved the final document after synod members voted on it, indicating its immediate importance for the future. According to reforms he made in 2018, the synod on synodalitys final text is therefore part of his ordinary teaching.
In light of the synthesis report, which was approved at the conclusion of the first session of the 16th ordinary general assembly of the synod on October 28, 2023, Pope Francis has indicated ten themes that synod study groups will consider ahead of synodal discussions in October. The focus of Pope Francis synod of bishops is the meaning and purpose of synodality itself, a call for a more collaborative and participatory model of church governance.
Launched in October 2021, the synod was designed to draw local Catholics, national bishops conferences, religious orders, and curial officials into an extended period of consultation and discernment, culminating in an October 2023 assembly in Rome. Vatican City, October 28, 2023, 19:04 PM. The Vaticans nearly monthlong synod on synodality assembly, convened by Pope Francis, concluded this evening with members approving an ambitious text.
Pope Francis announced on October 15, 2017, that a special assembly of the synod of bishops would work to identify new paths for the evangelization of God's people in that region, specifically the indigenous peoples who are often forgotten and without the prospect. This ongoing commitment to addressing the needs of marginalized communities further reinforces the Churchs commitment to building a more inclusive and responsive future.
