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

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, archbishop of Kinshasa, speaks during a press briefing on the Amazon Synod at the Holy See Press Office on Oct. 22, 2019. Speaking at a press conference for the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican on Oct. 7, 2023, the Congolese cardinal said the initiative is providing “new ways to address problems, whatever they are” with “a spirit of synodality.”

Outcome of Synod will be welcomed as the ‘will of God,’ says African cardinal

Oct 7, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu described synodality as “a new way of being a Church.” Read more

Speaking at a press briefing on Oct. 6, Vatican spokesman Paolo Ruffini said that there needs to be “a certain amount of confidentiality about who takes the floor and who doesn't in order to leave the space open … for ‘conversation in the Spirit.’”

Secrecy at the Synod on Synodality: What we know about delegates’ confidentiality requirements  

Oct 6, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The Synod on Synodality’s official regulations no longer allow Synod delegates to share their personal interventions with the public.  Read more

Pope Francis, the round tables at the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican, Cardinal Joseph Zen, and Paolo Ruffini.

Synod on Synodality 2023: Facts, anecdotes, and analysis from the first week

Oct 6, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Facts, anecdotes, and analysis from the first week of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops at... Read more

Father Marko Rupnik

Fact check: Does the Synod on Synodality website really feature artwork from Father Marko Rupnik?

Oct 6, 2023

By Daniel Payne

CNA fact-checks the claim that Father Marko Rupnik’s artwork is featured prominently by Catholic institutions, including the Synod on Synodality... Read more

The Synod on Synodality convened on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023.

What is being discussed during the first week of the Synod on Synodality?

Oct 5, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

During the first full day of work Oct. 5, participants met in small groups of about 12 people where they... Read more

San Damiano cross.

Archbishop to Synod on Synodality: Proclaiming Jesus is ‘the greatest urgency’

Oct 5, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“The greatest urgency, the truest reform is that of making Jesus our passion, our love, our everything,” said the bishop... Read more

Cardinal Raymond Burke was part of a panel that convened on the eve of the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 3, 2023.

The dubia were not meant as an attack on the pope, Cardinal Burke says

Oct 5, 2023

By Solène Tadié

The cardinal was speaking at a conference in Rome on Oct. 3 on the theme “the synodal Babel” to discuss... Read more

Synod on Synodality delegates in small groups listen to Pope Francis' guidance for the upcoming weeks on Oct. 4, 2023.

Pope Francis to Synod on Synodality: ‘Do not sadden the Holy Spirit’

Oct 4, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pointing synod delegates to texts by St. Basil on the Holy Spirit, the pope emphasized the importance of listening over... Read more

Pope Francis at the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 4, 2023.

New ‘grammar of synodality’ on display at start of synod gathering 

Oct 4, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

On its opening day, synod leaders also highlighted the many ways in which the current gathering breaks the mold of... Read more

St. Peter’s Square was illuminated by candlelight the night of Saturday, May 20, 2023, as pilgrims prayed the rosary in a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Peter’s Basilica to offer nightly Eucharistic adoration during Synod on Synodality

Oct 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The basilica will also host weekly candlelight rosary processions at 9 p.m. each Saturday in the month of October. Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen preaches a sermon during a Mass at the Holy Cross Church on May 24, 2022, in Hong Kong, China.

Cardinal Zen expresses concerns about Synod on Synodality in leaked letter to bishops

Oct 4, 2023

By AC Wimmer

Just days before the Synod on Synodality kicked off its first round of meetings at the Vatican, a letter from... Read more

The opening Mass of the Synod on Synodality in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 4, 2023.

Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality’s primary task ‘to refocus our gaze on God’

Oct 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis underlined that “the primary task of the synod” is to “refocus our gaze on God, to be a... Read more

Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals from across the world at the Saturday morning, Sept. 30, 2023, consistory in St. Peter’s Square.

Here’s what the Church’s newest cardinals think about the Synod on Synodality

Oct 3, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Six cardinals who are participating in this month’s Synod on Synodality — and five who are not — told CNA... Read more

Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Maronite Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn.

Maronite bishop: ‘I hope the synod will focus on servant leadership’

Oct 3, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour said the Synod on Synodality can be a “source” of progress for the Church in “deepening... Read more

Bishop Robert Barron speaks to tens of thousands of young people at a World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 2, 2023.

Bishop Barron: As I leave for the Synod on Synodality

Oct 3, 2023

By Bishop Robert Barron

Bishop Robert Barron wrote a message to his flock before leaving for Rome for the Synod on Synodality, which will... Read more

Father James Martin, SJ.

Jesuit Father James Martin says there are many chaste gay priests in the Church

Oct 2, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

In an Oct. 1 interview with the Spanish newspaper El Periódico, Martin stressed that “it is crucial to point out... Read more

Father Timothy Radcliffe addresses the bishops of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Synod on Synodality retreat looks to ‘transcend all our disagreements’

Oct 2, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Hundreds of synod delegates are meeting in a retreat center in Sacrofano, 20 miles north of Rome, for the three-day... Read more

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Answering the doubts: What are dubia?  

Oct 2, 2023

By Matthew Bunson

The word “dubia” — plural for a “dubium” — literally means, from the Latin, “doubts.” But another way of translating... Read more

Statue of St. Peter in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

Cardinals send ‘dubia’ to Pope Francis ahead of Synod on Synodality

Oct 2, 2023

By Edward Pentin

The cardinals said they submitted five questions, called a “dubia,” on Aug. 21 requesting clarity on several topics. Read more

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.

‘Not much new’ will come out of this year’s synod, Vatican’s doctrine chief predicts

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández predicts that “those who expect big changes” to come out of this month’s Synod of Bishops... Read more