In the Vatican's Paul VI Hall, Pope Leo XIV held an impromptu conversation on October 24, to representatives of the synodal teams and participatory bodies, who are celebrating their Jubilee, from the synodal teams and participation bodies, answering seven questions from delegates from all continents. He extolled the missionary vocation of the Church, which must "listen to the cry of the earth" and work to ensure that the charisms of all are respected. But it must also be a "bridge between cultures and religions" and build peace and communion. From Asia and Africa, he reminded us, we have much to learn.
Learning. This is one of the most recurring words in Leo XIV's responses in the afternoon, to participants representing seven geographic regions and presenting to the Pope the work of implementing synodality in their respective ecclesial contexts. Moderating the delegates' dialogue with the Bishop of Rome in the Paul VI Hall is Sister Nathalie Becquart, undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, a body that this year celebrated its sixtieth anniversary. Recalling the affirmation of Saint Paul VI, that primacy and collegiality cannot be lived without synodality with all the baptized, the nun opens the meeting to share the fruits of the synodal process at the continental level (which took place from October 2021 to October 2024). Alongside the Pope are Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, and Monsignor Luis Marín De San Martín, OSA, Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod.
In the Paul VI Hall, several introductory remarks preceded the meeting with the Pope. Cardinal Grech: Looking with hope to "what will be." Cardinal Ryś: Overcoming the...
The Church in Africa has much to offer everyone
An overview of the synodal journey in Africa is offered by Father Rafael Simbine Junior, a priest of the diocese of Xai-Xai in Mozambique and general secretary of the Symposium of the Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SCEAM-SECAM). A journey that has made great strides, he states, and which has opened up in all parishes because "synodality is not a campaign with a deadline, but a way of being Church that must be learned, practiced, and transmitted." Meeting spaces have multiplied, including with other religious movements and even in the public sphere, because contact with society, along with listening and formation, is precisely the guiding principle. "It is the outward movement of a listening Church," he explains. "We discern together and then walk with society for the common good." He emphasizes that "Africa's gift to the synodal journey is a lively sense of family, resilience, and hope." The question posed to the Pontiff is how local Churches, particularly in Africa, can carry out discernment without being conditioned by the imposition of "uniform models" that would risk weakening their initiative.
In his response, the Pope refocuses on the word "mission" from the outset, inspired by his own experience as a missionary. He recalls Pope Francis and how his predecessor emphasized the importance of bringing the Gospel to the ends of the earth in the synodal process. "I think the Church in Africa has much to offer all of us," the Pope explains, especially because "the Church can be a bridge." He goes on to highlight how, thanks to young people and families, it can be "an instrument for building peace and offering models both within Africa, between African countries, but also between the different countries and continents of the world . " He then clearly states: "We are not seeking a uniform model, and we will not present a standard model that everyone in every country will say: 'This is how it's done.' Rather, it is about a conversion to the Spirit of being Church and missionaries and of building, in this sense, the family of God." And one more clarification:
Especially in cultures where we Christians are not the majority, often with members of other religions, both regional and global, such as Islam, the challenges that exist are also great opportunities. And I think what most of us have experienced in recent years in preparation for the Synod and at the beginning of this new process of implementation is precisely that synodality, to use your words, is not a campaign. It is a way of being and a way of being Church. It is a way of fostering an attitude that begins with learning to listen to one another. And the gift of listening is something I think we all recognize, but which has often been lost in some sectors of the Church, and something whose value I believe we must continue to discover, starting with listening to the Word of God, listening to one another, listening to the wisdom we find in men and women, in members of the Church and in those who are searching but who perhaps are not yet and perhaps never will be members of the Church, but who are truly seeking the truth.
Flying to Fiji, Susan Sela , representing the Federation of Catholic Bishops' Conferences of Oceania (FCBCO) and director of the Pacific Technical and Further Education Institute , reports on the continent's Church work, which, she explains, is moving at different speeds, amidst ecological fragility and cultural richness. Here, the synodal journey is primarily understood as "spiritual conversion." Australia, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, and the Solomon Islands, Pacific nations and Eastern Catholic Churches, form a network in which synodality also encompasses the embrace of indigenous culture, disability inclusion, and cultural integration. Two noteworthy experiences: in Fiji, a 57-member team embodies the Church as an "extended tent," ensuring peripheral voices are central; in Australia, the post-Plenary Council momentum has given rise to diocesan synods since February 2023, supported by national coordination. Here the request to the Pope concerns the ecclesial organization and the possible future growth of the role of groupings (at the level of Continental Episcopal Conferences, national or regional Episcopal Conferences and Ecclesiastical Provinces).
The Pope's answer is "yes." He expects the Churches to grow in communion through the exercise of synodality. He recalls that he recently met with a bishop from this very region, deeply concerned about the consequences of climate change, a phenomenon capable of threatening the very survival of the region.
We enjoy the luxury of sitting in very comfortable spaces and reflecting on things that can sometimes seem very theoretical. But when we hear the urgent cry of people in different parts of the world, whether due to poverty or injustice, or climate change, or perhaps a host of other causes, we realize that we are not simply reflecting on theoretical questions and that an urgent response is needed. And this is a specific case in which I hope we all take very seriously the appeal that Pope Francis made to the entire Church and the world ten years ago in Laudato Si', saying that this too is part of our faith-based response to what is happening in our world. We cannot be passive. Therefore, I fervently hope that through the episcopal conferences, the ecclesiastical provinces, and the continental conferences, we can address some of these very specific issues and make a difference. I think the Church has a voice, and we must have the courage to raise our voices to change the world, to make it a better place.
From North America , Bishop Alain Faubert of Valleyfield (Canada) , a member of the Ordinary Council of the Synod, presented—speaking in Spanish, English, and French—a multifaceted continent he defines as "an ecclesial tapestry," in which poverty and the reality of migrant communities impact local Churches in the United States and Canada. While this diversity presents an opportunity for growth, there remains a continuing need to foster true communion and welcome for those arriving from other countries. Greater commitment is needed to establish stronger collaborative ecclesial communication with Latin America, particularly Mexico. Some, the prelate noted, fear a misunderstanding of synodality that could exacerbate existing tensions. An ad hoc national committee has been created to accompany, support, and coordinate efforts to implement synodality throughout the Church in Canada . Leo XIV was raised with the concerns of that segment of bishops and clergy who viewed synodality as a potential source of undermining the authority of pastors. They requested guidance to better promote co-responsibility, accountability, and transparency in dioceses and parishes.
Pope Leo XIV reflected on Canada and the United States, which he sees as two countries that were once allies but are now in the process of separating. Precisely in relation to this trend, he emphasizes the importance of synodality, which, he states, must be implemented concretely. He invites everyone to reflect on the merits, priests, even more than bishops, to open their hearts and participate in these processes. He adds that resistance often stems from fear or lack of knowledge, and therefore emphasizes formation. He then returns to the theme of "rhythm":
We must understand that we don't all run at the same speed and that sometimes we need to be patient with one another. And rather than having a few people rush ahead and leave many others behind, which could even cause a fracture in the ecclesial experience, we must seek ways, sometimes very concretely, to understand what's happening in each place, what the resistances are or where they come from, and what we can do to increasingly foster the experience of communion in this Church, which is synodal. Therefore, I think the concrete reality, understood within American culture, in the United States, where many existing structures actually have great potential to be synodal and to find ways to continue transforming them into more inclusive experiences, both in pastoral councils and in other diocesan structures or meetings.
The inclusion of men and women, lay people and clergy, and religious, says the Pope, comes through participation. "May everyone experience a strong sense of belonging, leadership, and responsibility in the life of the Church."
From October 24 to 26, the synodal groups and participation bodies will meet for an event that marks a significant moment in the implementation phase of the...
Rediscovering the enthusiasm of faith to bring reconciliation
Representing the Council of Eastern Catholic Patriarchs (CPCO) is Monsignor Mounir Khairallah , Bishop of Batrum, president of the Maronite Patriarchal Committee for the Follow-up to the Synod. His cry is also intended to be a cry for justice "on behalf of our oppressed and voiceless peoples, messengers of hope and builders of peace." At the Maronite Church level, synodality has been proposed as a theme for the ongoing formation of priests, and in various dioceses of Lebanon, a country the Pope will visit in early December, sessions have been organized for bishops, parish priests, delegates of dioceses and religious orders, and ecclesial movements, emphasizing the value of dialogue. In this case, the question posed to the Successor of Peter concerns what "urgent" changes the Eastern Churches must implement to put synodality into practice, including in seminaries, novitiates, and lay formation.
Two rounds of applause from the assembly underscore the Pope's words in response to the testimony from a place that today, Leo concludes, "needs signs of hope." He points to the search for the gift of enthusiasm, in the Churches of the Middle East and also among Christians in the diaspora, as a great and essential sign of hope. In the land where Jesus was born, where he lived, where he was martyred, and where he rose from the dead, this, says Leo XIV, is "the ultimate sign of all our hope." And on this basis, he invites us "to be true promoters of forgiveness and reconciliation, which are so necessary, to learn that in forgiving and working for reconciliation, we can truly build greater unity among all peoples." A new appeal for unity follows:
As a Church, we must be united and come together to be that authentic sign of hope, but also a very real expression of Christian charity, fraternal love, and mutual care, especially towards those who have lost everything due to the destruction of war, due to the existence of hatred among us. I think the challenges that the Eastern Churches have continued to face and continue to face in the Middle East are something we Westerners must better understand, so to speak, and that, looking at the synodal processes, we must understand that there are also significant differences between the Latin Church and the Eastern Churches. And we must respect these differences. I think this is the first step in any community, in any human organization: if we don't respect one another, we will never begin to know one another and grow closer.
The report on the progress of Latin America and the Caribbean is by Nicolás Meyer , a member of the CELAM synodal team and coordinator of the Caritas Regional Conference. All the countries in this region are working with national episcopal groups or commissions, and some have already identified immediate paths: from reforming the structure of Episcopal Conferences to enhancing listening processes, from increased training for pastoral workers to renewing evangelization processes. CELAM's Theological Reflection Group is working on a book on the "synodalization" of ecclesial structures, while the offering of online courses and catechesis has been expanded. The "Juntos" (Together) initiative has also been launched, with the aim of developing a network of theological-pastoral networks in the Pan-American region that integrates multiple efforts towards synodality. A working group tasked with exploring the issues of transparency, accountability, and evaluation in all pastoral processes, embracing them as an ecclesial practice and style—a topic still underdeveloped on the continent. A website to gather the experiences of a Church growing in communion and participation. Here, the Pope addresses how the synodal process can encourage and inspire more inclusive, just, and peace-building societies.
The Pontiff expresses gratitude for all that is being accomplished in Latin America, where he himself has learned much in his mission. He extols the spirit of communion that is traditionally part of the culture of these peoples. It teaches us how to practice fraternity, the Pope observes, and also how to continue on an authentically synodal journey that arises from listening to the Word. He then speaks of enthusiasm, a necessary ingredient that leads to the contagion of faith so that "others will want to join us and be builders of peace and communion." Here he adds a personal note:
I've rarely been inspired by a process; I feel inspired by people who live their faith with enthusiasm. And living this spirit—and we're talking about spirituality—of synodality, but it's the spirituality of the Gospel, of communion, of wanting to be Church. These are aspects that can truly inspire us to continue being Church and to build paths of inclusion, inviting many others—everyone—to accompany us, to walk with us.
The Church can transform cultures that discriminate against women
Klára Antonia Csiszár , a member of the synodal team of the Council of European Bishops' Conferences (CCEE) and professor of Pastoral Theology at the Catholic University of Linz, Austria, offers a European perspective, focusing on the interaction between the heritage of the Eastern Orthodox Churches, a source of enrichment, and that of the West, as well as on the issue of women. And once again, there is a loud applause from the assembly. In this regard, the professor observes a disparity in approaches and sensitivities: from marked openness to forms of resistance, skepticism, or fear regarding the possibility of promoting women's leadership. She explains, for example, that in post-communist regions or new democracies, bishops sincerely engaged in synodal processes are still the exception rather than the norm; Where strong federal traditions and participatory governance exist, natural paths for a synodal lifestyle have developed: ecumenical cooperation, collaborative structures, and consultative bodies make synodality appear organic, not imposed. Csiszár adds that where expectations are repeatedly frustrated, resignation sets in. It is also noted that a solid academic foundation comes from theological faculties and universities such as Leuven, with its Center for Synodal Leadership Models and International Consultancy, and Linz, with its Department for Synodality, which promotes innovative research and training in the field of synodality. The questions posed are: What hopes can women legitimately harbor in a synodal Church? Do you believe that a genuine cultural shift is underway in the Church so that equality between women and men in the Church can become a lived reality in the future?
In his response, the Pope indulges in two personal memories. The first concerns his life in a Catholic family, with parents who were very active in the parish. It was the 1970s, and turning to his mother, he asked her if she wanted to be equal to men, to which she replied, without joking, "No, because we are already better!" The other experience, from Peru, concerns a congregation of consecrated women religious whose charism is to work where there are no priests. "They have the power to baptize; they are official witnesses at weddings; they do wonderful missionary work, which is truly a 'witness' for many priests as well. This is the courage it takes," Leone affirms, "to proclaim the Gospel, and it is women who do it!" Therefore, postponing his response to "more difficult questions that are part of a study group that is being presented," the Pontiff clarifies that the problem is not that opportunities are lacking, but rather that "cultural obstacles exist" that effectively prevent women from exercising "what could very well be their role," making them feel like second-class citizens. He mentions the prejudices and discrimination that still exist in some countries "that clearly go against the Gospel, and we are often powerless in the face of these realities." There is much to be done, Pope Leo is convinced. "I believe the Church already offers opportunities to begin and continue this journey, and here too, we must be courageous and accompany so that, little by little, perhaps some changes can be introduced." Because, the Pope hopes, "the charism of each person is truly respected and valued."
There is a challenge for the Church and for all of us to see how we can jointly promote respect for the rights of all; how we can foster a culture where these things become not only possible but a reality in the co-participation of all, each according to their vocation, where they can exercise—let's say—a role of responsibility in the Church. We have seen many practical examples. But the reality is that culturally, not all—let's say—countries are in the same place as Europe or the United States, and we cannot simply assume that by appointing a woman here or there for this or that, she will be respected, because there are strong cultural differences that create problems. And so we need to discuss how the Church can be a force for conversion, for the transformation of cultures according to the values of the Gospel. Unfortunately, often the way we live our faith is more determined by our culture and less by our evangelical values. This is where we can all be a force, an inspiration, an invitation for our nations, our communities, our cultures to reflect on the differences that exist, and not just between men and women.
Finally, the Asian testimony of Father Clarence Sandanaraj Devadassan , from Malaysia, points to a synodal journey that "has found fertile ground" on a continent characterized by religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and complex socio-political realities. A member of the synodal team of the Federation of Asian Bishops' Conferences—established half a century ago—of the Archdiocese of Kuala Lumpur, where he directs the Catholic Research Center, the priest emphasizes that the synodal journey has encouraged greater commitment to promoting harmony among peoples and faiths, and to women and lay faithful in decision-making processes. In many dioceses, there has been a spiritual awakening; digital platforms have become essential tools for consultation and community building, especially among young people. The priest does not hide the fact that some priests perceive synodality as a threat to traditional authority, and he points out that there are areas where religious extremism or political constraints limit public expressions of synodality. Dioceses are developing long-term pastoral plans inspired by synodal principles, such as Mission 2033 and Pilgrims of Hope in India.
The image Leo XIV offers in this final response is very evocative: "We must bow and respect the sacred soil that Asia represents." He speaks of the sense of mystery that here opens the door to various types of interreligious dialogue, and this is a treasure on the continent, one we should learn from. He touches on the mystical and contemplative element, which must continually be discovered, he says, fascinated by an Asia that can offer so much hope.
There are, of course, great challenges. The structural and economic realities you face, and the difficulty of even promoting large-scale communication due to the limitations of local Churches, are realities I believe we too must share. I think this kind of experience of a synodal Church that builds communion should inspire in all of us, if you will, greater generosity in sharing resources, so that we can perhaps achieve greater equality, greater justice, even in terms of sharing with others the goods and material blessings that so many churches have. Obviously, doing so entails great challenges. Of course, great efforts have already been made in this direction, which must be recognized. It is an ongoing process.
Source: Vatican News IT
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