Synod on Synodality Updates and Latest News

The Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, is a multiyear process initiated by Pope Francis to enhance the communion, participation, and mission of the Church. The Catholic Church’s massive synodal process has already undergone diocesan, national, and continental stages. It culminates in two global assemblies at the Vatican. The first monthlong session of the Synod on Synodality, concluded on Oct. 29, 2023, with the finalization of a 42-page synthesis report. The October 2024 session is expected to produce a final report, which will be presented to Pope Francis for his consideration in issuing any related teaching.

The Latest

Pope Francis greets the crowd at the end of a Mass for the opening of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis calls for global day of prayer, fasting amid escalating conflict in Holy Land

Oct 2, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The pope’s surprise announcement comes the morning after Iran launched hundreds of missiles toward Israel. Read more

On the eve of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, that the Catholic Church must first acknowledge its sins and ask for forgiveness before it can be credible in carrying out the mission Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church.

Pope Francis: We must acknowledge our sins, ask forgiveness to become missionary Church

Oct 1, 2024

By Kristina Millare

During the penitential celebration on the eve of the Synod on Synodality, confessions and testimonies were shared by bishops, religious,... Read more

Bishops process into St. Peter's Basilica for the closing Mass of the first assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 29, 2023.

Decoding the Synod on Synodality: CNA’s essential terminology guide

Oct 1, 2024

By Courtney Mares, Matthew Bunson

As the Catholic Church kicks off the second session of the Synod on Synodality this week, it’s helpful to understand... Read more

Delegates vote to approve a synthesis report at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 28, 2023.

Pope Francis steers delicate course on women, the Church, and the Synod on Synodality 2024

Oct 1, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Oct. 2, Pope Francis will open the second session of the Synod on Synodality, the last part of the... Read more

Spanish theologian Cristina Inogés is among those designated by Pope Francis to participate in the Synod on Synodality.

Theologian participating in Synod on Synodality heralds heterodox views

Oct 1, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

Spanish theologian Cristina Inogés argued in a recent document that “Christianity should never have become a religion.” Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech and Pope Francis at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 28, 2023.

Synod on Synodality retreat aims for ‘renewed’ Pentecost through Mary and the rosary

Sep 30, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Cardinal Mario Grech opened a two-day retreat on Monday for participants of the second session of the Synod on Synodality. Read more

An Israeli air strike hits the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

Lebanon crisis threatens Eastern Catholic participation at Vatican Synod on Synodality

Sep 27, 2024

By Elias Turk

The Lebanon-Israel situation could diminish the presence of Eastern Catholic patriarchs from Lebanon at the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality, which... Read more

Father Timothy Radcliffe told the Synod on Synodality delegates that the time before the 2024 assembly “will be probably the most fertile time of the whole synod, the time of germination.”

Ahead of synod, prominent prelates publish on ‘LGBTQ issues’

Sep 23, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Father Timothy Radcliffe and Father James Martin weigh in on same-sex attraction before the synod. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (right), relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City. Beside him is Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general for the Synod of Bishops.

What you need to know about part 2 of the Synod on Synodality

Sep 21, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The second Vatican assembly for the global Synod on Synodality will kick off in October, bringing together clerics and laity... Read more

Organizers discuss the upcoming second session of the Synod on Synodality at a press conference at the Holy See Press Office on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

Here’s what will be new at the Synod on Synodality part 2

Sep 16, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will begin Oct. 2–27 in Rome, the second part of... Read more

Pope Francis made his remarks on synodality during an annual meeting for moderators of international associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities, organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life on June 13, 2024.

Synod on Synodality: Bishops launch regional workshops ahead of October meeting in Rome

Aug 22, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Around the world, bishops together with the Catholic faithful of their dioceses are gearing up for the second session of... Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City.

Synod organizer Cardinal Hollerich: Catholic Church in Africa ‘not afraid to speak’

Aug 20, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

The prelate told La Croix that the Church in Africa is one that is “alive and full of faith” and... Read more

Pope Francis offers a prayer at the conclusion of the 2023 Synod on Synodality.

Vatican office deletes online poll showing negative response to Synod on Synodality

Jul 29, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Posted Friday, the poll asked: “Do you believe that synodality as a path of conversion and reform can enhance the... Read more

Delegates to the Synod on Synodality meet in the final days of the synod, Oct. 25, 2023.

Synod organizer says Vatican doctrine office is studying women deacons

Jul 9, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Mario Grech said the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is studying “the women’s diaconate” within the context... Read more

Pope Francis among the delegates of the Synod on Synodality, held in October of 2023.

These are the members of the Synod on Synodality study groups

Jul 9, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Instrumentum Laboris, the guiding document for the October 2024 assembly, makes reference to these study groups throughout. Read more

Bishops process into St. Peter's Basilica for the closing Mass of the first assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 29, 2023.

New Instrumentum Laboris focuses on how to implement goals of Synod on Synodality

Jul 9, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

“Without tangible changes, the vision of a synodal Church will not be credible,” the Instrumentum Laboris, or “working tool,” says. Read more

Pope Francis leads the Synod on Synodality delegates in prayer on Oct. 25, 2023.

Vatican to publish Instrumentum Laboris for October’s Synod on Synodality meeting

Jul 3, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Instrumentum Laboris, or “working tool” for the upcoming 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, will be... Read more

Delegates vote to approve a synthesis report at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 28, 2023.

Theologians conclude evaluation of synod reports after Rome meeting

Jun 14, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

A group of 20 theologians concluded an evaluation of 107 synod reports from national bishops’ conferences and Eastern Catholic Churches... Read more

Building of the general curia of the Jesuit order on Borgo Santo Spirito, Rome.

UPDATE: Theologians hold closed-door meeting in Rome on guidance document for October synod

Jun 5, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The June 4–13 closed-door gathering of experts in theology, ecclesiology, and canon law is being held at the Jesuit general... Read more

Pope Francis among the delegates of the Synod on Synodality held in October 2023.

U.S. bishops’ synod synthesis reveals desire for greater unity, evangelization

May 29, 2024

By Jonah McKeown

“This document reflects the sense that there exists among Catholics in the United States a deep desire to rebuild and... Read more