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

Michael Madrigal, a lay minister in the Diocese of San Bernardino, recites the “Native American Prayer to the Four Directions” at the beginning of the diocese’s opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 17, 2021 at Holy Angels Church in Riverside, California.

Indigenous prayers, dancing in San Bernardino Synod Mass spark backlash

The Diocese of San Bernardino says its opening Mass for the Synod on Synodality Oct. 17 sought to celebrate the... Read more

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa.

Patriarch Pierbattista Pizzaballa launches synodal process in Holy Land

Oct 21, 2021

By Courtney Mares

The process will open simultaneously in Israel, Palestine, Jordan, and Cyprus. Read more

Archbishop Jose Gomez of Los Angeles at the USCCB's fall meeting in Baltimore, Md., Nov. 11, 2019.

Synod on Synodality a learning opportunity for Catholic Church, Archbishop Gomez says

Oct 20, 2021

By Kevin J. Jones

The upcoming gatherings of Catholics for a synodal process are important opportunities for outreach, support, and communication, according to Archbishop... Read more

A website and smartphone app to help Catholics pray for the synod on synodality was launched Oct. 19, 2021.

Vatican launches prayer website ‘to accompany’ Synod on Synodality

Oct 20, 2021

By Hannah Brockhaus

The app Click To Pray will also promote prayer for the synodal process. Read more

Cardinal Timothy Dolan of New York

Cardinal Dolan outlines 7 ‘non-negotiables’ for the Synod on Synodality

Oct 19, 2021

By Joe Bukuras

In an attempt to bring clarity to Pope Francis’s vision for the Synod on Synodality for his flock, Cardinal Timothy... Read more

Cardinals and bishops in the Vatican’s Synod Hall, Oct. 14, 2015.

As Catholic dioceses across the world embark on the synodal path, experts offer advice

Oct 15, 2021

By Luke Coppen

Supporters bill it as one of the most important Catholic events since Vatican II. Read more

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US dioceses prepare to open synod process this month

Oct 14, 2021

By Jonah McKeown

Dioceses across the United States are preparing for the consultation process for the Synod on Synodality, a two-year, worldwide undertaking... Read more

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