Synod on Synodality Updates and Latest News

The Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, is a multiyear process initiated by Pope Francis to enhance the communion, participation, and mission of the Church. The Catholic Church’s massive synodal process has already undergone diocesan, national, and continental stages. It culminates in two global assemblies at the Vatican. The first monthlong session of the Synod on Synodality, concluded on Oct. 29, 2023, with the finalization of a 42-page synthesis report. The October 2024 session is expected to produce a final report, which will be presented to Pope Francis for his consideration in issuing any related teaching.

The Latest

Pope Francis celebrates a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica opening the worldwide synodal path, Oct. 10, 2021.

Pope Francis launches 2-year synodal path with call to ‘encounter, listen, and discern’

Oct 10, 2021

By CNA Staff

The diocesan phase of the Synod on Synodality will last from October 2021 to April 2022. 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.

Pope Francis: Path to 2023 Synod on Synodality faces 3 ‘risks’

Oct 9, 2021

By CNA Staff

The two-year process leading to the synod formally opens this weekend. Read more

Bishop Silvio Siripong Charatsri says Mass at Sacred Heart Seminary, in Sriracha, Thailand, June 13, 2015.

Catholic bishops in Thailand prepare for synod on synodality

Sep 13, 2021

By Jose Torres, Jr.

Church leaders in Thailand are preparing for the 2023 synod on synodality, as the Vatican released a preparatory document for... Read more

Synod on the Family meeting in the Synod Hall in Vatican City on Oct. 21, 2015.

Vatican releases synod on synodality preparatory documents

Sep 7, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The Vatican unveiled a working document and handbook. 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

Bishop Georg Bätzing, chairman of the German bishops’ conference.

German Catholic bishops’ leader: ‘Synodal Way’ and Rome synod have ‘common goal’

May 21, 2021

Bishop Georg Bätzing welcomed the new global “process” for the synod on synodality. 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

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

Cardinal Kurt Koch, president of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity.

Vatican cardinal: Synodality is a vital tool in Catholic-Orthodox dialogue

Jan 19, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

Strengthening synodality is “the most important contribution” the Catholic Church can make to ecumenical dialogue, especially dialogue with the Orthodox,... Read more

Participants in the Vatican Synod Hall during the Synod on the Family in Oct. 2014.

Pope Francis announces a Synod on Synodality for the Catholic Church

Mar 7, 2020

By Courtney Mares

The next ordinary Synod of Bishops will be a synod on synodality, the Vatican announced March 7. Read more