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
What does the Synod on Synodality document say about ‘controversial’ issues?
The Synod on Synodality’s final document includes a discussion of issues it says are still “controversial” inside the Church. Read more
Vatican releases Synod on Synodality report proposing larger role for laity in Church
The document proposes a “synodal Church” that implements synodality throughout Church governance, theology, mission, and discernment of doctrine. Read more
We can’t subvert tradition to please the world, Synod on Synodality cardinal says
“Certainly we cannot ignore the world, and that’s why it’s a mistake to entrench ourselves in the past,” Cardinal Agostino... Read more
Meet the Synod’s scooter-riding Byzantine archbishop who got the pope to wear a trucker hat
A Byzantine Catholic has emerged as one of the most colorful figures participating in the Vatican’s monthlong Synod on Synodality. Read more
Synod on Synodality 2023: Final week wraps up in expectation of summary report
As the final week of this year’s gathering unfolds amid contentious discussions, anticipation is rising for the publication of the... Read more
Pope Francis signs ‘sick note’ for youngest participant of the Synod on Synodality
Wyatt Olivas, 19, approached Pope Francis to ask if the pontiff would sign a letter requesting a few days of... Read more
Synod on Synodality: Anticipation and tensions brew ahead of synthesis report release
The summary text will serve as a bridge between this month’s assembly and a second synodal gathering scheduled for October... Read more
Bishop Barron: Church should engage culture with more ‘energy, panache, and confidence’
Bishop Robert Barron said he regrets the Catholic Church’s “hand-wringing” in recent decades over how to share the Christian message... Read more
Polish bishop at Synod: Practice can vary but doctrine has to be the ‘same for everyone’
Archbishop Stanislaw Gadecki said Thursday one difficulty of synodality lies in distinguishing pastoral practice — which can be adapted —... Read more
Pope Francis speaks at Synod on Synodality: ‘Clericalism’ defiles the Church
Pope Francis denounced clericalism and called it a “scandal” to see young priests buying lace vestments at tailor shops in... Read more
Mexican cardinal comments on treatment of controversial issues at Synod on Synodality
Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, the primatial archbishop of Mexico, downplayed the issues that have generated some controversy during the Synod... Read more
Synod on Synodality addresses the Church in letter to the people of God
“This is not about ideology but about an experience rooted in the apostolic tradition,” says the letter inviting the faithful... Read more
The Synod on Synodality’s listening ‘method’ comes from the Jesuits
Synod on Synodality delegates in Rome this month are participating in a “conversation in the Spirit,” a method of communal... Read more
Theologian points to Vatican II’s ‘dynamic’ tradition in Synod on Synodality speech
Tradition “was a major point of discussion at the Second Vatican Council,” Father Ormond Rush said Monday. Read more
UPDATE: Synod on Synodality this week: Anticipating a ‘Letter to the People of God’
The letter, expected to arrive Oct. 28, will serve as a compass, signaling the direction of a continuing synodal journey. Read more
Cardinal Bo: Synod on Synodality is ‘a long march of hope for all humanity’
Myanmar’s Cardinal Charles Maung Bo described the Synod of Synodality as “a long march of hope for all humanity” during... Read more
Synod on Synodality’s ‘most fertile time’ will be between the assemblies, Radcliffe says
“These 11 months will be like a pregnancy,” Father Timothy Radcliffe told the synod delegates. “We, my brothers and sisters,... Read more
German bishop at Synod on Synodality: Church should not ignore ‘signs of the times’
Bishop Franz Josef Overbeck cites Germany’s “post-secular” context amid Synod on Synodality’s discussions on “decentralization.” Read more
‘It’s a challenge to seek the will of God’ at Synod on Synodality, Mexican archbishop says
The archbishop of Durango, Mexico, Faustino Armendáriz, commented that “it’s a challenge to seek the will of God” at the... Read more
African Jesuit theologian believes synodality work ‘will begin’ after Rome meetings
Father Agbonkhianmeghe Orobator, the dean of the Jesuit School of Theology at Santa Clara University, said synodality is about how... Read more
