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.
Pope warns that synod could be ‘elitist’ exercise unless all have a voice
Pope Francis announces ‘synodal process’ will begin in October
On May 21, Pope Francis surprised the Church by announcing that the Synod of Bishops postponed due to the pandemic will be preceded by a synodal process that includes “listening to all of the baptized” in every local diocese before the bishops gather again in 2023.
Synod document: New ministries can serve evangelization in Amazon
To proclaim the Gospel message of hope, the Catholic Church in the Amazon must open new paths of evangelization in the region, including by instituting new ministries for lay men and women, the Synod of Bishops said.
Synod aims to renew the church to help young Catholics, cardinal says
To strengthen and support young people in the faith, members of the Synod of Bishops will need to listen to their real-life stories, interpret what they hear in the light of the Gospel and make decisions that will lead to an authentic renewal of the Catholic Church, said Brazilian Cardinal Sergio da Rocha.
Millennials seeking to live in the ‘light of faith’
Our generation faces a different cultural and global landscape and we need new approaches, language and ideas to appropriately respond.