In October 2023, Pope Francis will convene the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops with the theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”
Synod of Bishops 2023
Pope’s Call for Worldwide Synodal Action Is Seed to be Planted, Nourished
Pope Francis speaks often of the importance of seeds being planted, and of the need to give them time and attention as they grow.
Being a Member of Christ’s Body To Improve the Faith
I have been so impressed by Father Robert Imbelli’s essay in the November, 2021 issue of Commonweal, that I have been discussing it with friends, both priests and lay people.
Synod Will Let Bishop Brennan Move ‘Full Speed Ahead’ To Learn His New Diocese
Bishop-designate Robert Brennan doesn’t view his arrival in the Diocese of Brooklyn in the midst of a time-sensitive global synod as a challenge, but rather as a “blessing,” because it’s an avenue to integrate himself into the diocese.
U.S. Church Leaders Grateful for Extra Time for Diocesan Phase of Synod
The U.S. bishops’ conference point person for the preparatory period of the Synod on Synodality has welcomed the Vatican’s extension of the diocesan phase after what in many places was considered a rushed start to the opening on Oct. 17.
Cardinal Dolan Invites Faithful to Join Pope on Synodal Path to Jesus
Pope Francis is inviting the faithful to pray, listen, discern and examine themselves personally and the church communally to determine how to better follow the path of Jesus, New York Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan said in opening the two-year churchwide synodal process.
Pope Francis Launches Weekend Twitter Rampage as a ‘Pest’ for the Poor
Over the weekend Pope Francis issued a barrage of tweets outlining his vision for a post-COVID world, pushing for an adaptation of current socio-economic models so they prioritize the poor and are based on a mentality of solidarity rather than profit.
Head of U.S. Bishops Says Hierarchy Not Divided, Even if They ‘Have Opinions’
Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles, and president of the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, believes that the two-year synodal process launched by Pope Francis last weekend is a “good opportunity” for the universal Church.
Pope Francis Warns That Synod Could be ‘Elitist’ Exercise Unless all Have a Voice
While a Synod of Bishops is not a parliament and its preparatory process is not “an opinion poll,” Pope Francis insisted that involving as many people as possible in the process and prayerfully listening to all of them is the only way to recognize the call of the Holy Spirit.
Women Religious Have Key Role in Synod Process, Pope Francis Says
Women religious have an essential role in the process of creating a more synodal church and in preparations for the Synod of Bishops, not just through their prayers and participation, but also by listening to people not usually part of such church activities, Pope Francis said.