The Synod on Synodality is now considering what is shaping up to be among its most contentious points: decentralising and regionalising church decision-making structures. One suggested option is to establish continental advisory and decision-making bodies with their own rules alongside or in addition to the existing national bishops’ conferences. This authority-sharing might even involve deciding Read more
Despite women’s ordination being excluded from the agenda of the Synod on Synodality, the topic remains a significant point of discussion within the Church. According to Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the General Relator of the Synod, the issue of women’s priestly ordination was not included because it was not universally raised. The Instrumentum laboris published recently Read more
The Vatican’s handling of the women deacon issue is drawing criticism as the October Synod of Bishops approaches, with calls for greater transparency intensifying. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg, a key organiser of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality, has called for sincere dialogue on women’s roles in the Church. Hollerich said that as a Read more
The women’s diaconate is a discussion that won’t go away. Pope Francis consistently says “no” when asked if women can be deacons or join the Catholic clergy. But Francis supports discussion about the women’s diaconate. This October’s synod working document affirms “theological reflection should continue”. Since last December the Pope and his Council of Cardinal Read more
The working document, or instrumentum laboris, for next October’s meeting of the Synod of Bishops is “taking up again” the teaching of the Second Vatican Council on the church by focusing on the missionary responsibility of all the baptized in the synodal church. That is what Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (pictured), the relator general for next Read more
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich has cautioned against hastiness in the debate over women’s ordination in the Catholic Church. In an interview with kath.ch, the Luxembourg archbishop stressed “If you attack too much, you won’t achieve much. You have to be cautious, take one step at a time, and then you might be able to go very Read more
The Vatican has postponed discussions on contentious doctrinal, ethical and pastoral issues until June 2025. It has redirected the focus of the upcoming synod towards synodality itself. The decision comes amidst growing anticipation about key matters such as women’s access to the diaconate and LGBTQ+ inclusion within the Church. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich clarified that the Read more
Jean-Claude Hollerich, Cardinal of Luxembourg and member of the Council of Cardinals, has spoken out in favour of the possibility of marriage for priests. “There are people who find it difficult to live a celibate life. If you gave them the choice, you could attract a few more to the priesthood,” Hollerich told the Luxembourg Read more
At the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich emphasised the transformative potential of the openness and freedom experienced during the gathering. The Synod witnessed vigorous debates during small-group discussions. However Hollerich, a key figure in the month-long Vatican assembly, highlighted that even in the face of disagreements alternative solutions were found. “To Read more
The Vatican Synod’s first assembly in Rome has concluded, marking an essential milestone in the Catholic Church’s journey towards a synodal-style church. The recently published final document guides the church in the coming 11 months and, while not as concrete as some might like, it highlights the role of bishops in leading the change and Read more