Synod of Bishops

The Latest

Irme Stetter-Karp, president of the Central Committee of German Catholics.

Germany’s Synodal Way leaders push women’s ordination during European bishops’ synodal assembly

Feb 8, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Irme Stetter-Karp, the president of the lay Central Committee of German Catholics (ZdK), addressed delegates in the meeting in Prague... Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, archbishop of Luxembourg, (left) and Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops

Synod organizers tell Continental Assemblies not to ‘impose an agenda’ on discussions

Jan 30, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Mario Grech and Cardinal Jean Claude Hollerich stressed that the Synod of Bishops is not meant “to address all... Read more

Sister Nathalie Becquart, who serves as an undersecretary for the Church’s ongoing Synod on Synodality, was recently named on the BBC’s list of 100 inspiring and influential women around the world.

Synod on Synodality official: Women priests ‘not an open question’ for the Church

Dec 13, 2022

By Courtney Mares

In an article published Dec. 13, Sister Nathalie Becquart said that there are many ways for women to serve the... Read more

The opening day of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican Synod Hall on Oct. 3, 2018.

What does the synod document say about ordination of women, LGBTQ issues, and the liturgy?

Oct 27, 2022

By Courtney Mares

At the heart of the synodal process is “a Church capable of radical inclusion,” according to a key document released... Read more

The opening of the Synod for the Family at the Vatican on Oct. 5, 2015.

Vatican’s Synod on Synodality organizers say synod is ‘fruit’ of Second Vatican Council

Oct 10, 2022

By AC Wimmer

In a message marking the 60th anniversary of Vatican II’s opening, the general secretariat of the Synod on Synodality called... Read more

The opening of the Synod for the Family at the Vatican on Oct. 5, 2015.

Vatican acknowledges challenges in global synodal process

Feb 7, 2022

By Courtney Mares

The Vatican spoke of ‘fears and reticence,’ as well as ‘a certain mistrust.’ Read more

The opening day of the 15th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the Vatican Synod Hall on Oct. 3, 2018.

Synod of Bishops’ resources website links to women’s ordination group

Jan 19, 2022

By CNA Staff

An official suggested that the website was not promoting the group. Read more

Pope Francis takes part in a moment of reflection for the opening of the synodal path at the Vatican’s New Synod Hall, Oct. 9, 2021.

Synod of Bishops restores resource page link to New Ways Ministry, issues apology

Dec 13, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The restoration of the link reversed a previous decision to remove the LGBT outreach group from the webpage. Read more

The opening of the Amazon synod at the Vatican's Synod Hall,  Oct. 7, 2019.

Synod of Bishops removes resource page link to New Ways Ministry

Dec 7, 2021

By CNA Staff

The U.S. bishops’ conference expressed its disapproval of the LGBT outreach ministry in 2010. Read more

Professor Aleksander Bańka.

Lay Catholic to represent Church in Poland at opening of synodal process in Rome

Aug 30, 2021

By CNA Staff

Aleksander Bańka is a professor specializing in the history of philosophy and religion. Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod of Bishops

Cardinal asks monastic communities to pray for the 2023 synod on synodality

Aug 28, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Oct. 9-10, the Catholic Church will begin the first phase of a synodal process culminating in the 2023 meeting... Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of Synod of Bishops.

Cardinal Grech: Synodality is not a ‘fad’ of the pope

Jul 22, 2021

By CNA Staff

He said that synodality is “the form and style of the early Church.” Read more

The opening of the Amazon synod at the Vatican's Synod Hall,  Oct. 7, 2019.

Members of commissions preparing synod on synodality unveiled

Jul 20, 2021

By CNA Staff

The synod will open with a “diocesan phase” in October. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, Archbishop of Luxembourg, at the Vatican, Oct. 5, 2019.

Pope Francis names Jesuit cardinal to key synod on synodality position

Jul 8, 2021

By CNA Staff

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich will serve as relator general. Read more

Pope Francis speaks to Italian bishops' conference meeting in Rome on May 24, 2021.

Pope Francis encourages Italian bishops as the conference begins ‘synodal journey’

May 24, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The pope gave unscripted remarks as he opened the Italian bishops’ spring assembly on May 24, speaking to a conference... Read more

Vatican asks all Catholic dioceses to take part in synod on synodality

May 21, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The synod will officially open with a “diocesan phase” in October. Read more

Irish flag.

Ireland’s Catholic bishops announce national synodal assembly

Mar 11, 2021

Ireland’s Catholic bishops have announced that they will hold a national synodal assembly “within the next five years.” Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of Synod of Bishops. Credit: Diocese of Gozo (CC BY-SA 4.0).

Cardinal Grech to Irish bishops: ‘A synodal process promises an ecclesial springtime’

Mar 4, 2021

Cardinal Mario Grech told Irish bishops that embarking on a “synodal process” could lead to an “ecclesial springtime.”  Read more

Sr. Nathalie Becquart (third from left) poses with Pope Francis and others during the youth synod in 2018. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis names religious sister, priest as under-secretaries of the Synod of Bishops

Feb 6, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis Saturday appointed a Spanish priest and a French religious sister as under-secretaries of the Synod of Bishops.  Read more

Bishop Mario Grech, secretary general of Synod of Bishops.

Pope Francis appoints Maltese bishop as secretary general of Synod of Bishops

Sep 16, 2020

Pope Francis appointed a new secretary general of the Synod of Bishops Wednesday.  Read more