Washington D.C., Sep 27, 2005 / 22:00 pm
When Bishops from around the world gather early next month for the 11th General Synod of Bishops, only two representatives from the U.S. will be present. One of them, Fr. Francis J. Moloney, an internationally recognized scripture scholar and professor at Catholic University of America, spoke with CNA Tuesday about his thoughts and hopes for this important event.
Fr. Moloney, an Australian native who was appointed to the International Theological Commission to the Holy See in 1984, was appointed, along with Carl Albert Anderson, Supreme Knight of the Knights of Columbus as two of the few delegates from the English-speaking world.
The Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution set forth in 1965 by Pope Paul VI for the purpose of unity and discussion among the Church's shepherds throughout the world.
The bishops gather periodically to consult with the Pope and to discuss pastoral needs in the Church and how best to spread the Gospel message in the face of a changing world.