The synodal process has shown a concerning lack of rigorous theological examination of the liturgy—both its theological essence and its ritual execution—leading to debates and speculative discussions that hinder the Church’s progress. This deficiency is starkly highlighted in paragraphs 26-28 of the Synod’s Final Document. The document equates Eucharistic and synodal assemblies as manifestations of Read more
Theologians and Catholic Church reform groups are overjoyed lay men and women will be full voting members at the upcoming Synod of Bishops. This is the first time any Pope has allowed lay people to do this. It is a substantial development, say several prominent experts. The changes “make the synod more rooted in the Read more
The head of the German Catholic bishops’ conference said on Thursday that the global synodal process has already changed the Church. Bishop Georg Bätzing (pictured) said, “After only one year, this Synodal Process has generated a dynamic that has led to a new understanding of the dignity of all the baptised, to a broader co-responsibility Read more
The Vatican is calling on bishops across the world to involve Christian leaders from other churches in the synod process in a move that could turn it into the most significant ecumenical event of recent times. A joint letter from two Rome-based cardinals recommends leaders of Christian communities take part in the bishops’ synodal discussions Read more
Pope Francis is questioning whether the Church is ready for the synodal process saying it needs to free itself from “inward-looking and outworn pastoral models”. He made the comments during his homily on Sunday, launching a two-year consultation of all the world’s Catholics. The synodal process begins on October 17 in local diocese around the Read more
The Synod of Bishops’ secretariat has published and presented to the press the “Preparatory document” and “Vademecum” for the synodal process of 2021-2023 that Pope Francis has called for the universal Church. It is perhaps the most audacious project of his pontificate. The official launch of the synodal process will take place October 9-10 in Read more
By now, you’ve probably heard that Pope Francis postponed the upcoming synod on synodality for a full year, from October 2022 to October 2023, and ordered every ecclesiastical jurisdiction and single member of the faithful to participate in an expanded “preparatory” process. If the incongruity of making the Church more synodalitous by papal diktat ever Read more
Pope Francis has written a letter applauding the German Church’s synodal journey and urging it to emphasise the centrality of the Holy Spirit in ecclesial renewal. The Church needs spiritual renewal, not just structural, he wrote as the Germany’s Catholics prepare to embark on a synodal process. “We are all aware that we are living Read more