On October 2, Pope Francis kicked off the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality with a vibrant Mass in St. Peter’s Square, attended by more than 400 priests, bishops, and cardinals.
As the discussions unfold over the next month, the pope emphasized the need for delegates to avoid imposing their personal agendas on the conversations.
A Call for Listening and Dialogue
In his homily, Francis urged the participants to approach the synod with open hearts, reminding them, “Let us be careful not to see our contributions as points to defend at all costs or agendas to be imposed.”
He cautioned against falling into “dialogues among the deaf,” where individuals push their own causes without truly listening to each other or, most importantly, to the voice of the Lord.
The Significance of the Synod
The ongoing assembly is a pivotal moment in the Church’s global synodal process, which began three years ago.
The focus for this year’s discussions, which will last until October 27, is to gather insights that will help Pope Francis enhance the “communion, participation, and mission” of the Catholic Church.
With some contentious topics off the table, the synod will primarily address proposals for fostering a ministry of listening and accompaniment, increasing lay involvement in church finances, and strengthening parish councils and bishops’ conferences.
A Harmonious Gathering
The Mass began at 9:30 a.m. under partly cloudy skies, featuring a procession with 76 cardinals and 320 bishops.
During his homily, which coincided with the feast of the Guardian Angels, the pope stressed the importance of harmony and listening.
“Ours is not a parliamentary assembly but rather a place of listening in communion,” he stated, emphasizing that the key is not about majorities or minorities but about achieving harmony through the Holy Spirit.
Reflecting on Past Discussions
The structure of this year’s assembly mirrors that of the previous session, including daily prayers and discussions in small groups organized by language.
However, some controversial topics from last year, such as the role of women deacons and training for future priests, have been delegated to 15 study groups formed late last year.
Addressing a Range of Issues
This synod assembly is the culmination of a multiyear global dialogue involving diocesan, national, and continental stages.
Discussions are expected to touch on various proposals, including expanding women’s roles in diocesan leadership and the recognition of bishops’ conferences as “ecclesial subjects endowed with doctrinal authority.”
A Reflection on Shared Experiences
To prepare for the assembly, participants took part in a two-day retreat, culminating in a vigil at St. Peter’s Basilica.
During this time, individuals shared personal stories of trauma related to sexual abuse, war, and the plight of migrants.
In his homily, Pope Francis emphasized the importance of listening, using the word “listen” or “listening” nearly a dozen times.
He encouraged delegates to treat the insights gathered over the past three years with respect and attentiveness.
A Call to Prayer for Peace
In a poignant moment at the end of his homily, Pope Francis announced his plan to visit the Basilica of St. Mary Major on Sunday to pray the rosary for peace, coinciding with the upcoming anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel.
He also called for a global day of prayer and fasting on October 7, stressing the need for unity amid escalating violence in the Holy Land.
“Brothers and sisters, let us resume this ecclesial journey with an eye to the world, for the Christian community is always at the service of humanity,” he stated.
“We need it, especially in this dramatic hour of our history, as the winds of war and the fires of violence continue to ravage entire peoples and nations.”
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