The Vatican's synod office has postponed the final reports from study groups on controversial issues like women deacons and LGBT inclusion until the end of 2025, with interim reports expected in July. The extension allows more time for in-depth study on these topics, which are being examined by expert panels rather than the full synod assembly, and the final reports may influence future Church decisions.
Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo of Kinshasa criticized the timing of the Vatican document Fiducia Supplicans, which authorized non-liturgical blessings for same-sex couples, saying it discredited the synodal process convened by Pope Francis. He argued that the document's release between the two Synods of Bishops on Synodality created the misleading notion that it was the fruit of synodal discussions. African bishops, led by Ambongo, have rejected the idea of offering blessings to same-sex couples, emphasizing that it goes against African culture and the fundamental teachings of the Catholic faith. Pope Francis has expressed trust that everyone will be reassured by the spirit of the declaration, while acknowledging Africa's unique cultural perspective on homosexuality. During a joint meeting with European bishops, African prelates emphasized the inclusion of women and youth in the synodal process.
The recently concluded Synod on Synodality at the Vatican saw robust debates and a lack of consensus on key issues such as LGBTQ rights and the female diaconate. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich noted that some expected opposition did not materialize, indicating a desire for change. Concerns raised by Cardinal Joseph Zen and the publication of the dubia of the five cardinals resonated with many bishops. The final document underwent significant revisions, with terms like LGBTQ being replaced by "gender identity" as a compromise. The proposed accountability of pontifical representatives by local bishops was scrapped, and the idea of a synod council was replaced by a proposal to reform the Council of Cardinals. The stress on ecumenical dialogue and the mission of the Church remained unchanged.
The Synod on Synodality assembly approved a 42-page summary report with significant changes from the initial draft. The final report removed the term "LGBTQ+" and a proposal for a "super synod," while adding a proposal for ex-priests to be given a "pastoral service." References to the importance of Church teaching were added, and a proposal for shared discernment on controversial issues was tweaked to emphasize the importance of the Word of God and Church teaching. The absence of "LGBTQ+" terminology was seen as a blow by some activists, but the report expressed love, mercy, and compassion for marginalized individuals. This reflects a longstanding effort to incorporate post-Christian Western terminology into universal Church documents.
Cardinal Blase Cupich, the archbishop of Chicago, reflects on the recently concluded Synod on Synodality in Rome, emphasizing the importance of the experience over the synthesis document. He highlights the inclusion of non-bishops in the synod, the need for women to have greater roles and decision-making positions in the church, the discussion on evaluating bishops' performance, and the church's response to the abuse crisis. Cupich also mentions the absence of explicit references to LGBTQ+ issues in the document, but expects it to be addressed in future discussions. He emphasizes the importance of sharing the synodal experience with the people and replicating it in the dioceses.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, one of the leaders of the Synod on Synodality, stated that the freedom and openness experienced during the month-long Vatican assembly will bring about change in the Church. While disagreements arose during small-group discussions, alternative solutions were eventually found. The synod, which included laypeople for the first time, released a synthesis report and will release a more definitive document in 2024. Cardinal Hollerich emphasized that the synod is about synodality and that a synodal Church will be more open to discussing important topics. Despite some resistance, the cardinal expressed satisfaction with the positive results of the voting. The assembly's inclusive approach was seen as creating spaces for everyone, fostering hope and joy among participants.
The Synthesis Report of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality has been published, offering reflections and proposals on various topics such as the role of women and the laity, the ministry of bishops, priesthood and the diaconate, the importance of the poor and migrants, digital mission, ecumenism, and abuse. The report emphasizes the need for a synodal Church that involves everyone and is close to the world's wounds, addressing issues such as clericalism, discrimination, and the opening of the diaconate to women. It also highlights the Church's commitment to the poor, migrants, and ecumenism, as well as the challenges posed by the digital culture.
The Vatican has released the synthesis report of the Synod on Synodality, proposing a "Synodal Church" that implements synodality throughout Church governance, theology, mission, and discernment of doctrine and pastoral issues. The report includes over 80 approved proposals, such as establishing a baptismal ministry of listening and accompaniment, decentralizing the Church, and strengthening the Council of Cardinals. It also encourages experimentation with conversation and forms of discernment, and calls for the exercise of synodality at regional, national, and continental levels. The report does not provide definitive conclusions on same-sex blessings, women's ordination, and other controversial topics. The document aims to serve ongoing discernment and lays the foundation for the second Synod on Synodality in 2024.
The final week of the Synod on Synodality is wrapping up, with anticipation building for the publication of the summary report. The report, expected to be about 40 pages long, will focus on what makes a synodal church, the equal dignity of all the baptized, and how the synodal method renews Catholic communities. Discussions during the Synod have centered on the centrality of Jesus Christ and the importance of episcopal collegiality. There is also a notable shift in ecclesiastical oversight, proposing more localized accountability for papal nuncios and a potential reevaluation of the pope's role within a synodal Church. The Synod has seen robust discussions, testimonies from conflict-ridden regions, and an emphasis on communion with Peter's successor. A Letter to the People of God, inviting active participation in Church decision-making, was approved. The ecumenical dimension has also been highlighted, with an emphasis on reciprocity between ecumenism and synodality.
The final week of the Synod on Synodality is wrapping up with anticipation for the publication of the summary report, expected to be about 40 pages long and focusing on the synodal method, equal dignity of all the baptized, and renewing Catholic communities. Discussions have centered around the centrality of Jesus Christ, episcopal collegiality, and the role of the pope within a synodal Church. Proposed changes include more localized accountability for papal nuncios and the establishment of a "Council of the Synod" as a global consultative body. The Synod also emphasized the importance of communion with Peter's successor and ecumenical unity.
As the Roman Catholic Church's leaders gather in Rome for the Synod on Synodality to discuss the future of the church, a divide between conservatives and progressives is evident in the pews. While some parishes, like St. Joseph Catholic Church in Libertyville, Illinois, actively engage in the synod process and hope for much-needed changes, others, like St. Stanislaus Kostka Parish in Chicago, view the gathering as a potential threat or irrelevance. The synod, which includes discussions on topics such as ordaining women as deacons and outreach to the LGBTQ+ community, has become a flashpoint among different factions of the church's leadership, highlighting the challenges facing Pope Francis.
The Synod on Synodality assembly continued its discussions on LGBT issues and the possibility of a female diaconate, while also exploring the structure of the Church. The process has been characterized by emotional debates and active listening, raising questions about whether any definitive decisions will emerge. Pope Francis met with members of New Ways Ministry, a controversial LGBT ministry group, and a special prayer service for migrants was held. The synod also discussed the role of parishes, priests, and bishops, and engaged in theological debates on synodality and the Church's authority. Concerns have been raised about the methodology of the synod, including the short duration of interactions and the potential exclusion of diverse perspectives in the final text.
A laywoman received a big ovation at the Synod on Synodality for her speech opposing women's ordination, characterizing it as a form of clericalism and a distraction from what Catholic women truly want and need. The speech emphasized the importance of motherhood and drew on the example of Mary, the Mother of God. The intervention had a significant impact on the discussions, influencing participants assigned to address the role of women in the Church. Despite organizers' insistence that the synod's focus would not be on doctrine, discussions on women's ordination have become a focal point, with some participants advocating for the admittance of women to the diaconate and priesthood.
The Vatican's Synod on Synodality has called for a rethinking of the entire Church, focusing on authority, decentralization, co-responsibility of the laity, and concrete changes to the institutional Church. The delegates were presented with a vision for a synodal Church, emphasizing the need for new processes, institutions, and structures. The discussions will address participation, governance, and authority, with a focus on how to bring about concrete changes for lay Catholics. The theologians at the synod stressed the importance of a synodal form of Church and the involvement of all subjects, including the people of God, the College of Bishops, and the bishop of Rome. The synod aims to inspire a reform of the Church itself in a synodal sense.
A theologian participating in the Synod on Synodality has stated that there is "too much emphasis" on the issue of women priests or deacons, which distracts the Church from addressing the real needs of women. Renée Köhler-Ryan, one of the women delegates, believes that the Church should focus on offering greater support to families and working mothers instead. While some participants argue that women's ordination is necessary for equality, Köhler-Ryan highlights the importance of unity in diversity and the unique roles of motherhood and fatherhood. The discussions at the synod also included topics such as the role of women in the Church, inclusive language in liturgy, and the possible reinstatement of the female diaconate.
