Pope Francis acknowledged on Saturday that the upcoming Synod on Synodality may be “of little interest to the general public” but underlined that the Synod is “truly important” for the Church. Source: CNA.
“I am well aware that speaking of a ‘Synod on Synodality’ may seem something abstruse, self-referential, excessively technical, and of little interest to the general public,” Pope Francis said.
“But what has happened over the past year, which will continue with the assembly next October and then with the second stage of Synod 2024, is something truly important for the Church.”
The Pope spoke about the significance of the synod nearly one month ahead of the first global Synod on Synodality assembly taking place at the Vatican October 4-28.
It is the first of two assemblies that culminate the Church’s multiyear, worldwide undertaking during which Catholics were asked to submit feedback at diocesan, national, and continental levels.
“We have opened our doors, we have offered everyone the opportunity to participate, we have taken into account everyone’s needs and suggestions. We want to contribute together to build the Church where everyone feels at home, where no one is excluded,” Pope Francis said.
“That word of the Gospel that is so important: everyone. Everyone, everyone: There are no first-, second- or third-class Catholics, no. All together. Everyone. It is the Lord’s invitation.”
The Pope underlined that the Church needs to “get used to listening to each other, to talking, not cutting our heads off for a word” and “to listen and discuss in a mature way.”
“We are trying to learn a new way of living relationships, listening to one another to hear and follow the voice of the Spirit.”
FULL STORY
Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality ‘truly important’ despite being ‘of little interest to the general public’ (By Courtney Mares, CNA)
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