The Synod's final document must be accepted since it constitutes church teaching, says Francis.

"The Final Document participates in the ordinary Magisterium of the Successor of Peter and thus I ask that it be accepted as such" he wrote to bishops when he was handing them the document, using the church's term for its teaching authority.

Many of its reforms will be a matter of implementing existing canon law, not rewriting it, he clarifies. When necessary, local churches can "creatively enact new ministries and missionary roles" and present their experiences to the Vatican.

Bishops responsibility

Francis said the document offers instruction on enacting the Synod's final report proposals which is now up to local churches to accept and implement.

Reporting will coincide with bishops' "ad limina" meetings with the pope and Vatican officials every five years.

Francis is firm about the reporting schedule, stressing that "each bishop will make sure to report which choices were made at his local church regarding what is contained in the final document, what challenges they faced and what were the fruits".

The Pope also says help with implementation will be provided.

He says the General Secretariat of the Synod, along with other Vatican departments, will ensure "individual national churches join the [ongoing] synodal journey".

What will bishops reports contain?

Particular issues the Pope will be seeking from the bishops' reports will reflect the key priorities the final Synod document highlights.

The way these are implemented will vary, he says. That's because the bishops of each country or region are being encouraged to seek "more encultured solutions" to issues involving local traditions and challenges.

Local churches are given freedom to implement these within their "different ecclesial, cultural and local contexts".

Key priorities (that are now part of Church doctrine) aim to promote a more horizontal Church structure. There must be greater transparency and more accountability for bishops and church leaders, increased lay involvement through new ministries and adjusted governing structures, and a guarantee there is space for previously marginalised groups.

Source

• Our Sunday Visitor
• Religion News Service

The bishops met on 18 November with the heads of Vatican dicasteries to discuss the Synodal Path.

The German bishops' conference and the Central Committee of German Catholics launched the path in 2019 in response to the clerical abuse scandal.

The meeting, at the end of the bishops' "ad limina" visits to Rome, was chaired by Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state. Formal presentations were made by Cardinal Luis Ladaria, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, and Cardinal Marc Ouellet, prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops.

Ladaria focused his remarks on Pope Francis' letter to German Catholics in 2019 about the Synodal Path and on how the local church and the universal church flourish together.

"If they find themselves separated from the entire ecclesial body, they weaken, rot and die. Hence the need always to ensure that communion with the whole body of the church is alive and effective," the pope had written.

Ladaria acknowledged how, because of the abuse crisis, many Catholics "feel deeply betrayed by men and women of the Catholic Church" and "no longer have any trust in us bishops.

"It goes without saying that everything that can be done to prevent further abuse by clerics against minors must be done, but this must not lead to reducing the mystery of the church to a mere institution of power or to a prior consideration of the church as a structurally abusive organisation that must be brought under the control of super controllers as soon as possible."

Ladaria also objected to the Synodal Path's treatment of sexuality, which gives the "general impression" that in church teaching on sexuality "there is almost nothing that can be salvaged, that it all must be changed.

"How can one not think of the impact this has on many faithful who listen to the voice of the church and try to follow its indications in their lives," he asked the bishops.

Both Ladaria and Ouellet expressed concern that the entire Synodal Path process has eclipsed the role of the bishops as successors of the apostles, called to guide the local churches and "authenticate the witness of the other disciples of the Lord".

Ouellet also praised the seriousness with which the church in Germany was trying to confront the abuse crisis and its attendant crisis of trust, and he lauded the involvement of the laity in the Synodal Path, although he said they seemed to "have played an equal if not preponderant role".

While saying he knows the bishops do not want to create a schism and are committed to making the preaching of the Gospel more credible in Germany, he said much of the Synodal Path seems to have responded more to "very strong cultural and media pressure" than to the Gospel.

Ouellet also told the bishops he found "surprising" the attitude taken by the Synodal Path "toward the definitive decision of St John Paul II concerning the impossibility for the Catholic Church to proceed with the ordination of women priests".

Questioning that decision, he said, "reveals a problem of faith with regard to the magisterium and a certain intrusive rationalism" that has more to do with personal opinions rather than faith.

And, he said, along with other questionable positions adopted by the members of the Synodal Path, the position on women's ordination "undermines the responsibility of the bishops" to guide the church and "appears to be strongly influenced by pressure groups".

Sources

National Catholic Reporter

The Pillar

CathNews New Zealand

Summarising the German position, the head of the German bishops' conference, Bishop Georg Bätzing, said the German church would not make decisions that were the Vatican's to make.

"We are Catholic," Bätzing said at a news conference. "but we want to be Catholic in a different way."

Bätzing's statement comes at the close of the German bishops' ad limina visit to Rome. During the visit, they had face time with the pope and met various Vatican departments to provide an update on local church affairs.

As part of the meetings, the 62 German bishops who participated met with various Vatican departments and had a private meeting with Pope Francis.

They also had what was described as an "open" and "frank" discussion on concerns regarding their "Synodal Path" with several Vatican department heads.

In that meeting, Vatican officials suggested issuing a "moratorium" on the Synodal Path process. However, that proposal was not accepted.

The church hierarchy in Germany and the country's influential lay Catholic group launched the reforms after a 2018 report. They found that thousands of abuse crimes were systematically covered up by German church leaders.

Preliminary assemblies of the reform process have sought to address how power and authority are exercised in the church.

During these meetings, lay representatives and German bishops have approved calls to allow blessings for same-sex couples, married priests and the ordination of women as deacons. However, the proposals must be debated further and approved for them to be enacted.

Bätzing assured the Vatican that the German church would "not make any decisions that would only be possible in the context of the universal church," such as changes to the church's core doctrine.

"However, the church in Germany wants to and must provide answers to the questions being asked by the faithful," he said.

The main lay Catholic group involved in the reforms, the Central Committee of German Catholics, said the meeting made it clear that the German church was right to pursue the dialogue in Germany because "it is not a solution to see the responsibility for the reform process solely in Rome".

The president of the group, Irme Stetter-Karp, took issue with the joint statement issued by the Vatican and German bishops, which urged the faithful to be patient.

A "patient people of God" no longer exists, she said.

Sources

• Reuters
• CruxNow
• SCNOW

Acerbi's diplomatic career included being held hostage by guerillas in Colombia and becoming the first nuncio to Hungary after the end of communism.

Now 94, Acerbi is retired and lives in the Vatican in the Casa Santa Marta guest house, the home of Pope Francis and where the New Zealand bishops are staying during their Ad Limina.

The archbishop's very first appointment as Apostolic Nuncio was to New Zealand and the Pacific from 1974 to 1979.

Hamilton Bishop Stephen Lowe says Archbishop Acerbi enjoys good health and maintains a fantastic memory.

"He has enjoyed connecting with us during our visit," said Lowe.

"As bishops, we have often commented about the loneliness of the life of a nuncio, but Acerbi has a wealth of stories of encounters in New Zealand and the Pacific with clergy, religious and laypeople."

Italian-born Acerbi was ordained in 1948, so this is his 71st year ordained.

His Wellington-based nuncio appointment was followed by others in Colombia, Hungary, Moldova and the Netherlands.

In 1980 he was held hostage with 26 other diplomats for several weeks in Bogotá, Colombia, after an assault by the M-19 urban guerilla group on the Embassy of the Dominican Republic.

His appointment to Hungary in 1990 after the end of communism was significant because there had been no apostolic nuncio to that country since the communist takeover in 1945.

"He still has an active interest in our region and the life of the Church and society in our part of the world," said Lowe.

"He clearly has a beautiful faith and love that reflects a life of faithful service of the Lord and his Church. His presence has been one of the unexpected joys of these days in Rome."

Photo caption: from left Bishop Paul Martin SM (Christchurch), Bishop Patrick Dunn (Auckland), Cardinal John Dew (Wellington) Archbishop Angelo Acerbi, Bishop Stephen Lowe (Hamilton) and Bishop Michael Dooley (Dunedin).

Source
Supplied. David McLoughlin
Communications Adviser, NZ Catholic Bishops
Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa

Pope Francis told the bishops to raise any topic and be free with their comments, said Bishop Stephen Lowe of Hamilton, secretary of the NZ Catholic Bishops Conference.

The bishops and the Pope discussed the Royal Commission of Inquiry into Historical Abuse in Care, which began public hearings today. "We briefed Pope Francis on this and he underlined the importance of the Church being fully engaged in the dialogue with the royal commission," Bishop Lowe said.

Pope Francis showed particular interest in the people of Christchurch following the March 15 mosque attacks and the 2010 and 2011 earthquakes. He also reflected on his meeting the Maori King, Te Te Huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa Tuheitia, in Rome last May, commenting on the King's humility.

"The Holy Father has a particular love for young people, and he stressed the need for the Church not to be afraid to meet young people in the midst of 'their world' and not to be scandalised by 'their world' or the questions they ask of the Church, " said Bishop Lowe. "In the same way, he encouraged young people to be open to the search for the transcendent in the world.

The Holy Father himself is a fine example of this, waking each morning at 4.00 am to begin the day with some hours of prayer."

The bishops were very impressed with the Pope's pastoral sensitivity and his insights into the challenges faced in evangelising and presenting the Church in a secular age and culture. He was also very interested in how parishes are changing to become more missionary.

"The Holy Father also reflected on the Amazonian Synod. He also shared his frustration of how peripheral issues often dominate and distract reporting on key issues that he wants to engage with."

Ad Limina Apostolorum (to the threshold of the apostles) visits are traditional visits made by Catholic bishops to Rome. The last ad limina by New Zealand bishops was in 2011, when Benedict XVI was Pope.

Source

Supplied: David McLoughlin
Communications Adviser, NZ Catholic Bishops: Te huinga o nga Pihopa Katorika o Aotearoa

He said this in his address to the Bishops the Bishops ,who are in Rome for their five yearly ad limina visits, when he met with them last Saturday.

In his address Pope Benedict also praised the Church in Papua New Guinea and the Solomon Islands for their attention for the poor, the marginalized and the sick, especially those suffering from HIV/AIDS, and for speaking publicly "as an objective moral voice on behalf of those in need ... in order to contribute to the common good "

Source

• Full text of Pope Benedict's address
• The Vatican Today
• Image: The Vatican Today

In his address to the Bishops of New Zealand and the Pacific Pope Benedict spoke of the contribution of priests and religious. He also said that the pastors were not expected to do everything themselves and acknowledged importance of laity in spreading the Gospel in New Zealand and the Pacific. He asked the Bishops to ensure adequate lay formation and training for the work they do.

"The lay faithful's role in the well-being of the Church is essential since the Lord does not expect pastors to undertake by themselves the entire saving mission of the Church," Pope Benedict said.

"I understand from your reports that your task of spreading the Gospel often depends on the assistance of lay missionaries and catechists. Continue to ensure that a sound and ongoing formation be afforded them, especially within the context of their associations. In so doing, you will equip them for every good work in the building up of the body of Christ (cf. 2 Tim 3:17; Eph 4:12). Their zeal for the faith under your continued leadership and support will surely bear much fruit in the vineyard of the Lord."

Pope Benedict also commented on the secular nature of society that the New Zealand Bishops had noted in their report, "a reality that has a significant impact on the understanding and practice of the Catholic faith. This is seen specifically in a weakened appreciation for the sacred nature of Christian marriage and the stability of the family. In such a context, the struggle to lead a life worthy of the our baptismal calling (cf. Eph. 4:1) and to abstain from the earthly passions which wage war against our souls (cf. 1 Pet 2:11) becomes ever more challenging. Yet we know that, ultimately, Christian faith provides a surer basis for life than the secular vision; for "it is only in the mystery of the Word made flesh that the mystery of humanity truly becomes clear" (Gaudium et Spes, 22).
On behalf of the Bishops of CEPAC (Pacific Islands) and the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop John Dew addressed the Holy Father and thanked him for his leadership of the Church today.
In his address, Archbishop Dew explained that New Zealand, in particular, has become a very secular country and that both New Zealand and the Pacific Islands have suffered economically over recent years.
"There are many pressures on individuals and families. We are pleased to say that both Conferences are aided by our clergy and our close collaborators - our Catholic Schools. We all try to counteract secularism by encouraging our Catholic people to be a true leaven in society".

"The Churches in our countries are young and vital, they are Churches which continue to search for ways to grow in holiness, and to find new ways to live and preach the Gospel, he said. "We are all responding to the challenge of the New Evangelization and preparing to celebrate the Year of Faith, which we see as a wonderful opportunity to preach the Gospel anew".

He spoke of World Youth Day in Sydney as being one of the highlights for the New Zealand Church since the last ad limina visit in 2004. "The highpoint of the week for all was the Vigil and the Mass celebrated by you. We thank you for your presence in Sydney and for your inspirational ministry to our young people," he said to the Holy Father.

"The canonization of St Mary of the Cross MacKillop was celebrated as much throughout New Zealand and the Pacific as it was in Australia. St Mary of the Cross had visited New Zealand and lived there for some time; her Sisters have worked and are working in many of our jurisdictions," said Archbishop Dew.

"It is the fervent hope of all of us that the Cause for Beatification of Suzanne Aubert, the Foundress of New Zealand's only indigenous religious Order - the Daughters of Our Lady of Compassion- will be progressed through the Congregation for the Causes of Saints. She is known and revered throughout New Zealand and the Pacific as she was among the first Missionaries to come to our part of the world. She is remembered for her life and sanctity and for her unstinting care of the Maori people. We pray for her Beatification".

During their ad limina the New Zealand bishops met with the Congregation for the Causes of Saints to discuss the Cause for the Beatification of Suzanne Aubert. Archbishop Dew said the Congregation was pleased with the progress that has been made and explained that Pope Benedict XVI is particularly interested in the Congregation's investigating and promoting Causes from non-European countries.
The bishops discussed the new translation of the Missal with the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments. "The Congregation was particularly interested to hear about the bilingual aspect of New Zealand's translation of the Missal and appreciated the effort taken to do this," said Archbishop Dew.

During their meeting with the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith the bishops spoke about the importance of reinforcing the teachings of the Second Vatican Council and how next year will present a special opportunity to do this as it marks the 50^th anniversary of Vatican II. Next year will also mark 20 years since Catechism of the Catholic Church was introduced.
Archbishop Dew said many people were interested in The Catholic Institute of Aotearoa New Zealand and expressed the necessity of having opportunities for greater learning about the faith, what it means to belong to the Church, and ecclesiology and Christology.

At the Mass with CEPAC at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls, Bishop Peter Cullinane of Palmerston North delivered the homily in which he used the words of St Paul to appeal to those present to have the "minds of Christ".
Archbishop Dew said the most prominent theme throughout the ad limina visit was the New Evangelization.
"All congregations emphasised the New Evangelization and expressed the importance of taking every opportunity to preach the gospel - not just to those who have not heard it, but also to the baptised who need to hear it again," said Archbishop Dew.

"Some suggestions for achieving this included priests' taking special care with homilies and ensuring the language used speaks to people today. The message was very clear - the New Evangelization is about creating a stronger Catholic identity in those who are baptised and a deeper sense of what it means to belong to the Church today".

Listen to Vatican Radio Report and hear the Pope's address

Source

• News.va
• NZCBC
• Image: NZCBC

"For example, we have a National Centre for Bioethics committed on different moral issues. Then, we have recently created a national formation institute to coordinate our teaching staff, but also to make sure that the Churches' voice is heard on moral issues and public policies and to be present in places where decisions are made. Then there is the challenge of acceptance and integration of immigrants in our parishes through inculturation"

Read Rest of article and Listen to interview

Image: NZCBC

President of the New Zealand Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop John Dew of Wellington, said the meeting consisted of "good conversation" with the Holy Father, who spoke with each of the bishops about their dioceses. Each bishop submitted a report on their diocese for the Holy Father prior to the ad limina visit.

Before meeting with the Pope the bishops met with the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and celebrated Mass with the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) at the altar of the tomb of Saint Peter in the Vatican Grottos

On Wednesday the bishops met with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, during which they will discuss the Cause for the Beatification of Suzanne Aubert.

On Thursday they met with the Congregation for Clergy, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and the Secretariat of State. The Secretariat of State is divided into two sections, the Section for General Affairs and the Section for Relations with States. The current Substitute for General Affairs is Archbishop Giovanni Becciu who served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Wellington during the 1990s.

The first meeting for Friday is with the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. Following this some of the bishops will meet with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity while the others meet with the Pontifical Council for the Family. In the evening the bishops will celebrate Mass again with CEPAC at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.

On Saturday groups of the bishops will meet with three Pontifical Councils - the Pontifical Councils for Legislative Texts, Social Communications, and Cor Unum. Some of the bishops will meet with the Congregation for Catholic Education on Saturday

The visit will conclude on Sunday with a lunch at the Society of Mary Generalate. Here the bishops will meet with New Zealand priests, religious and lay people who are studying or working in Rome.

(The days given are New Zealand time, a day ahead of the time in Rome)

Sources:

• NZCBC
• The Catholic Diocese of Christchurch
• Image: Endrtimes

Archbishop John Dew, Wellington; Bishop Patrick Dunn, Auckland; Bishop Denis Browne, Hamilton; Bishops Peter Cullinane and Charles Drennan, Palmerston North; Bishop Barry Jones, Christchurch, and Bishop Colin Campbell, Dunedin, will meet with Pope Benedict XVI and different parts of the Roman Curia. Prior to the ad limina visit, each bishop submitted a report on their diocese for the Holy Father.

The bishops will celebrate Mass with the bishops of the Episcopal Conference of the Pacific (CEPAC) at the altar of the tomb of Saint Peter in the Vatican Grottos on Monday 12 December. They will also meet with the Congregation for the Evangelisation of Peoples and three of the bishops will meet with the Pontifical Council for Culture.

On Tuesday 13 December the bishops will meet with the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace, the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, and the Congregation for the Causes of Saints, during which they will discuss the Cause for the Beatification of Suzanne Aubert.

Wednesday 14 December will see the bishops meet with the Congregation for Clergy, the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, and the Secretariat of State. The Secretariat of State is divided into two sections, the Section for General Affairs and the Section for Relations with States. The current Substitute for General Affairs is Archbishop Giovanni Becciu who served in the Apostolic Nunciature in Wellington during the 1990s.

The first meeting for Thursday 15 December is with the Pontifical Council for Promoting New Evangelization. Following this some of the bishops will meet with the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity while the others meet with the Pontifical Council for the Family. In the evening the bishops will celebrate Mass again with CEPAC at the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls.

On Friday 16 December groups of the bishops will meet with three Pontifical Councils - the Pontifical Councils for Legislative Texts, Social Communications, and Cor Unum. Some of the bishops will meet with the Congregation for Catholic Education on Saturday 17 December.

The visit will conclude on Saturday 17 December with a lunch at the Society of Mary Generalate. Here the bishops will meet with New Zealand priests, religious and lay people who are studying or working in Rome.

Source

• NZCBC
• Image: TheLeadingEdge Blog.com.