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 views a historic relic of the chair of St. Peter on Oct. 2, 2024.

What’s behind the viral photo of Pope Francis venerating a chair?

Oct 4, 2024

By Madalaine Elhabbal

CNA explains what was behind the viral photo of Pope Francis sitting before an ancient wooden chair during the first... Read more

Closing the first week of meetings, Synod on Synodality participants from different continents put a spotlight on the plight of the world’s poor and vulnerable at a press briefing held in the Vatican on Oct. 4, 2024, the feast day of St. Francis of Assisi. 

Synod participants put spotlight on world’s poor and vulnerable on feast of St. Francis

Oct 4, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Closing the first week of meetings, Synod on Synodality participants from different continents put a spotlight on the plight of... Read more

Archbishop of Barcelona and the president of the Episcopal Conference of Spain, Cardinal Juan José Omella y Omella, arrives at St. Peter’s Basilica for a penitential service for the Synod of Bishops presided by Pope Francis on Oct. 1, 2024, in Vatican City.

Analysis: This week at the Synod on Synodality — revolution or much ado about nothing?

Oct 3, 2024

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The tone of the opening days of the synod’s final general assembly makes it apparent that, for the moment, there... Read more

On the first working day of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican on Oct. 2, 2024, Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, shut down speculation regarding further theological study into the possibility of women being ordained as deacons.

Synod rules out women deacons; meetings called to be ‘laboratories of synodal life’

Oct 3, 2024

By Kristina Millare

The Synod on Synodality commenced its second day on Thursday in which 356 participants convened at the Vatican. Read more

Pope Francis addresses participants of the first meeting of the full assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 2, 2024.

At Synod on Synodality, pope says Church needs new ways for bishops to be ‘synodal’

Oct 2, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

“Never can a bishop, or any other Christian, think of himself ‘without others,’” Pope Francis said Wednesday at the first... Read more

Pope Francis makes the sign of the cross as he opens the second assembly of the Synod on Synodality with a Mass on Oct. 2, 2024, in St. Peter’s Square.

Pope Francis opens Synod on Synodality assembly with warning against personal ‘agendas’

Oct 2, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The second session of the 16th Ordinary Synod of Bishops, running from Oct. 2–27, marks a critical phase in the... Read more

Pope Francis greets the crowd at the end of a Mass for the opening of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, Wednesday, Oct. 2, 2024, in St Peter's Square.

Pope Francis calls for global day of prayer, fasting amid escalating conflict in Holy Land

Oct 2, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The pope’s surprise announcement comes the morning after Iran launched hundreds of missiles toward Israel. Read more

On the eve of the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis said on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, that the Catholic Church must first acknowledge its sins and ask for forgiveness before it can be credible in carrying out the mission Jesus Christ entrusted to his Church.

Pope Francis: We must acknowledge our sins, ask forgiveness to become missionary Church

Oct 1, 2024

By Kristina Millare

During the penitential celebration on the eve of the Synod on Synodality, confessions and testimonies were shared by bishops, religious,... Read more

Bishops process into St. Peter's Basilica for the closing Mass of the first assembly of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 29, 2023.

Decoding the Synod on Synodality: CNA’s essential terminology guide

Oct 1, 2024

By Courtney Mares, Matthew Bunson

As the Catholic Church kicks off the second session of the Synod on Synodality this week, it’s helpful to understand... Read more

Delegates vote to approve a synthesis report at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 28, 2023.

Pope Francis steers delicate course on women, the Church, and the Synod on Synodality 2024

Oct 1, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

On Oct. 2, Pope Francis will open the second session of the Synod on Synodality, the last part of the... Read more

Spanish theologian Cristina Inogés is among those designated by Pope Francis to participate in the Synod on Synodality.

Theologian participating in Synod on Synodality heralds heterodox views

Oct 1, 2024

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

Spanish theologian Cristina Inogés argued in a recent document that “Christianity should never have become a religion.” Read more

Cardinal Mario Grech and Pope Francis at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 28, 2023.

Synod on Synodality retreat aims for ‘renewed’ Pentecost through Mary and the rosary

Sep 30, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Cardinal Mario Grech opened a two-day retreat on Monday for participants of the second session of the Synod on Synodality. Read more

An Israeli air strike hits the town of Khiam in southern Lebanon on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024.

Lebanon crisis threatens Eastern Catholic participation at Vatican Synod on Synodality

Sep 27, 2024

By Elias Turk

The Lebanon-Israel situation could diminish the presence of Eastern Catholic patriarchs from Lebanon at the Vatican’s Synod on Synodality, which... Read more

Father Timothy Radcliffe told the Synod on Synodality delegates that the time before the 2024 assembly “will be probably the most fertile time of the whole synod, the time of germination.”

Ahead of synod, prominent prelates publish on ‘LGBTQ issues’

Sep 23, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Father Timothy Radcliffe and Father James Martin weigh in on same-sex attraction before the synod. Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (right), relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City. Beside him is Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary general for the Synod of Bishops.

What you need to know about part 2 of the Synod on Synodality

Sep 21, 2024

By Courtney Mares

The second Vatican assembly for the global Synod on Synodality will kick off in October, bringing together clerics and laity... Read more

Organizers discuss the upcoming second session of the Synod on Synodality at a press conference at the Holy See Press Office on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024.

Here’s what will be new at the Synod on Synodality part 2

Sep 16, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops will begin Oct. 2–27 in Rome, the second part of... Read more

Pope Francis made his remarks on synodality during an annual meeting for moderators of international associations of the faithful, ecclesial movements, and new communities, organized by the Dicastery for Laity, Family and Life on June 13, 2024.

Synod on Synodality: Bishops launch regional workshops ahead of October meeting in Rome

Aug 22, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Around the world, bishops together with the Catholic faithful of their dioceses are gearing up for the second session of... Read more

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, relator general of Synod on Synodality, speaks to the media on June 20, 2023, at the temporary headquarters of the Holy See Press Office in Vatican City.

Synod organizer Cardinal Hollerich: Catholic Church in Africa ‘not afraid to speak’

Aug 20, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

The prelate told La Croix that the Church in Africa is one that is “alive and full of faith” and... Read more

Pope Francis offers a prayer at the conclusion of the 2023 Synod on Synodality.

Vatican office deletes online poll showing negative response to Synod on Synodality

Jul 29, 2024

By Kristina Millare

Posted Friday, the poll asked: “Do you believe that synodality as a path of conversion and reform can enhance the... Read more

Delegates to the Synod on Synodality meet in the final days of the synod, Oct. 25, 2023.

Synod organizer says Vatican doctrine office is studying women deacons

Jul 9, 2024

By Courtney Mares

Cardinal Mario Grech said the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith is studying “the women’s diaconate” within the context... Read more