All articles tagged with #synod
Originally Published 6 months ago — by Vatican News
The Vatican's Synod on Synodality has released 'Pathways for the Implementation of the Synod,' a document providing a framework to guide local churches worldwide through the synodal process, emphasizing dialogue, shared responsibility, and preparation for the Ecclesial Assembly in October 2028.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Washington Post
The Vatican synod, a month-long gathering of the Catholic Church's highest consultative body, ended with divisions over the issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion and women deacons. Pope Francis had expressed openness to blessing same-sex couples, but conservative bishops from Eastern Europe, Africa, and elsewhere opposed this, resulting in the synod's concluding report omitting any mention of LGBTQ+ and using vague language about marginalized individuals. The synod also showed divisions on the role of women in the church and the question of priestly celibacy. The ideological rifts within the global church highlight the challenges faced by Pope Francis in unifying the faithful and making reforms.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Participants in the Synod General Assembly are examining and discussing "Module A" of the Synod on Synodality, which focuses on the signs of a Synodal Church. These signs include joy in journeying together, the recognition of diverse charisms and vocations, the importance of listening, the constructive challenge of differences, the acknowledgement of the mystery of God, the method of conversation in the Spirit, the centrality of liturgy, and the promotion of unity and discernment. Participants are encouraged to reflect on their own experiences and consider how to deepen the synodal style in their local Churches.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Paolo Ruffini, President of the Commission for Information of the Synodal Assembly, held a briefing explaining the methodology of the Synod's working groups, emphasizing the importance of listening and mutual acquaintance. The Synod aims to create a pause for the Church to profoundly listen to one another, fostering a spirit of communion and discernment. Press conferences will be held after each module of the assembly, and the final report will represent a path rather than a point of arrival. The Synod on Synodality is a process that will continue until 2024, with the goal of addressing issues and proposing concrete steps for the Church.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Fox News
A group of cardinals, including Raymond Burke and Walter Brandmüller, have expressed dissatisfaction with Pope Francis' long-form answers on issues such as LGBT blessings and the ordination of women. The cardinals submitted a set of dubia, seeking simple yes or no responses, but the pope's responses were not to their liking. The cardinals have published their questions in multiple languages for lay Catholics. While some media outlets misreported that the pope condoned gay marriage, he affirmed the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. The pope left the question of non-marital blessings open for debate. The upcoming Synod of Bishops has raised concerns among conservative Catholics, who fear the inclusion of non-clerics risks "democratizing" the Church. The Synod will discuss the Catholic Church in the modern day and its future direction.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Pope Francis called on Catholic leaders to set aside politics and work towards making the Church more inclusive during the opening of a global meeting of Church leaders, or synod. The synod, which will discuss topics such as the role of women, acceptance of LGBT Catholics, and the impact of climate change on the poor, has faced criticism from conservative critics who fear it may introduce confusion and division. The pope emphasized the need for the Church to avoid rigidity or lukewarmness and to be open to all. The synod will include lay people, including women, who will have the right to vote alongside cardinals and bishops. Changes in Church teaching, if any, are expected to be a long way off.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by OnePeterFive
The article discusses the Synod on Synodality and its aims, arguing that they run counter to the nature of the Church, which is Marian. It emphasizes the inevitable failure of the Synod and the triumph of Mary's Immaculate Heart. Drawing on biblical examples, the author asserts that evil cannot compete with the good and that the enemies of the Church cannot touch its spiritual power. The article encourages Catholics to trust in God's Word and remain steadfast in faith, hope, and charity, knowing that love will ultimately triumph.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Pope Francis addressed thousands of pilgrims at an ecumenical prayer vigil, emphasizing the importance of silence in the Christian faith. He highlighted that silence allows for God's voice to be heard and for true discernment and unity within the Church. The Pope called for the upcoming Synod to be a place of fraternity, free from gossip and polarization, where participants listen to one another and seek the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Reuters
Pope Francis has elevated 21 prelates to the rank of cardinal, significantly increasing the percentage of electors chosen by him who will have the right to vote for his successor. This move cements his legacy and potentially paves the way for a more progressive and inclusive Church. The new cardinals come from various countries, including the U.S., France, Italy, Argentina, and South Sudan. One significant appointment is Bishop Stephen Chow Sau-Yan of Hong Kong, who has connections to the Catholic Church in communist China. Pope Francis emphasized the importance of diversity and unity in his homily, and he will soon open a month-long synod to discuss the Church's future.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Pope Francis has released his prayer intention for October, calling for the Church to embrace listening and dialogue as a way of life during the Synod. He emphasizes the importance of the synodal dynamic in carrying forward the Church's missionary vocation and encourages believers to pray for the Church's openness to the Holy Spirit's guidance. The Synod on Synodality, which begins in October, involves a two-year process of discussions and will include the participation of 363 voting members, including women.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the General Secretariat of the Synod, has called on bishops and eparchs worldwide to prioritize prayer in preparation for the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod, which will commence in the Vatican on October 4th. He emphasized that the Synod is primarily a spiritual event centered on prayer and listening to the Holy Spirit. To encourage participation, a "Solemn Blessing" has been prepared for recitation at the end of Sunday Masses, along with intercessory prayers. Cardinal Grech highlighted the importance of listening, adoration, intercession, and thanksgiving in prayer, and invited everyone to incorporate prayer into homilies, universal prayers, and the final blessing during Eucharistic celebrations. The appeal extends to leaders of Oriental Catholic Churches, and various initiatives have been planned to engage the entire people of God in prayer for the Synod.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Vatican News - English
Pope Francis has announced the creation of 21 new cardinals, with the consistory set to take place in September. The selection of cardinals from various parts of the world, including the "peripheries" of the Church, highlights the upcoming Synod on synodality. Notable appointments include two nuncio-electors, the first Latin Patriarch of Jerusalem to receive the red hat, and cardinals from South Sudan, South Africa, and Tanzania. The number of cardinal electors will rise to 137, surpassing the limit set by Paul VI.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by Catholic World Report
The Vatican has released the working document for the October 2023 Synod, which is filled with dense descriptions and leading questions. The document is shot through with presentism and a constant insinuation that the past has little to offer. The synod is obsessed with the concerns of the aging Catholic progressives of the 1970s and portrays women as being excluded, underappreciated, and devalued. The document never mentions morality, and there are no references to real, Catholic marriages. The synod promises to be quite the synodal experience.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by America: The Jesuit Review
The Vatican has released a working document for the Synod of Bishops on synodality, which will be held in October 2023. The document calls for discussion on the inclusion of marginalized groups, such as LGBT Catholics, women, and the poor, in decision-making structures of the Catholic Church. It also highlights the need for a renewed approach to church communication, formation in the seminary, and care for the environment. The synod aims to bring about a profound conversion and cultural change in the way of being church in the 21st century.
Originally Published 2 years ago — by The Associated Press
The Vatican has released a working document that calls for concrete steps to promote women to decision-making roles, radical inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, and new accountability measures to check how bishops exercise authority. The document highlights key concerns that emerged during the consultation process, which began at the local parish level and concluded with seven continent-wide assemblies. The synod, as it is known, is a key priority of Pope Francis, reflecting his vision of a church that is more about the faithful rank-and-file than its priests.