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
Spanish bishops lament low participation in Synod on Synodality, especially by young people
The Spanish Bishops’ Conference has presented the Synthesis for the European Continental Stage of the Synod on Synodality. Read more
German bishops’ president rebukes Pope Francis for criticism of Synodal Way
Bishop Georg Bätzing says the Germans have “fundamentally different views of synodality” than Rome. Read more
Synod organizers tell Continental Assemblies not to ‘impose an agenda’ on discussions
Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich stressed that the Synod of Bishops is not meant “to address all... Read more
Pope Francis decries German Synodal Way as ‘neither helpful nor serious’
In an interview published Wednesday, Pope Francis decried the German Synodal Way as elitist and running the risk of bringing... Read more
Controversial Dominican priest to lead October retreat for bishops at start of synod
Father Timothy Radcliffe, whose statements on homosexuality have previously sparked controversy, will lead a three-day retreat to kick off the... Read more
Cardinal Zen ‘very concerned’ about Synod on Synodality
In an interview with the Italian newspaper Il Giornale published on Jan. 17, Zen said that he hopes that the... Read more
Pope Francis announces ecumenical prayer service, reflects on St. John the Baptist’s ‘spirit of service’
An ecumenical prayer vigil will take place in St. Peter’s Square as part of the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality. Read more
Pope’s cardinal advisers discuss Church’s efforts to prevent abuse
The Holy See press office said Dec. 7 that the pope met with his council of advisers for a two-day... Read more
Synodality text calling for ‘radical inclusion’ praised at Vatican event
The Holy Spirit is at work in the latest document of the Synod on Synodality, presenters said Thursday at a... Read more
What does the synod document say about ordination of women, LGBTQ issues, and the liturgy?
At the heart of the synodal process is “a Church capable of radical inclusion,” according to a key document released... Read more
Synod on Synodality: Vatican reveals framework for next stage of discussions
The Vatican revealed on Thursday the outline that will guide the next stage of discussions in the Synod on Synodality. Read more
Cardinal Hollerich: Without Vatican II, ‘the Church today would be a small sect’
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the relator general of the Synod on Synodality, has said that he is convinced that the Second... Read more
Pope Francis announces decision to extend Synod on Synodality to 2024
The pope explained that he made the decision to provide more time for discernment. Read more
Vatican’s Synod on Synodality organizers say synod is ‘fruit’ of Second Vatican Council
In a message marking the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s opening, the general secretariat of the Synod on Synodality called... Read more
Philly synod artwork misrepresented our views, Catholic students say
Artwork based on a listening session for Philadelphia-area Catholic university students drew global comment and criticism after it was shared... Read more
Priests reject controversial synod poster: it’s ‘out of bounds and confusing’
Two Spanish priests recently posted their analyses on social media of a controversial drawing posted to the Synod on Synodality... Read more
What’s behind the ‘woman priest’ Facebook post from the Synod of Bishops?
A social media stir has greeted the image of a “woman priest” posted to the Synod of Bishops’ Facebook page. Read more
‘Full members of the Church’: Catholics with disabilities contribute to Synod on Synodality
Catholics with disabilities delivered to Pope Francis on Wednesday a report they prepared for the Synod on Synodality. Read more
U.S. synod synthesis shows ‘desire for greater communion’
The Synod on Synodality has thus far demonstrated the “joys, hopes, and wounds” shared by members of the Church in... Read more
Turbulent scenes and votes for homosexuality, women’s ordination at German Synodal Way
The three-day event was overshadowed by turbulent scenes and early departures over the handling of contentious issues. Read more
