Vatican City, Oct 10, 2010 / 07:35 am
Highlighting the special consideration of the Middle East in the eyes of God, Pope Benedict XVI inaugurated the activities of the two-week synod. The Holy Father remembered the region for its role in the history of salvation and called all to bring peace and justice to the Middle East today.
On Sunday morning, the Holy Father opened the Synod of Bishops' Special Assembly for the Middle East with Mass at St. Peter's Basilica. Benedict XVI concelebrated in Latin with 177 Synod Fathers and 69 priests who are collaborating in synod activities.
The synod is taking place at the Vatican from Oct. 10-24 under the theme: "The Catholic Church in the Middle East: Communion and Witness."
During his homily, he noted that an "extraordinary motive" marked the Mass, that of the grace of the first Synodal Assembly for the Middle East for which region bishops had all gathered together with "the Bishop of Rome and Universal shepherd."