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

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich (left), relator general of the Synod on Synodality, and Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the Synod, at the Oct. 9, 2023, general congregation.

Synod on Synodality asks members to foster communion with the marginalized

Oct 10, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“All are invited to be part of the Church,” Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich said at the start of the Oct. 9... Read more

Archbishop Emeritus Charles Chaput of Philadelphia.

Archbishop Chaput offers advice to the Synod on Synodality

Oct 9, 2023

By Eduardo Berdejo

In an article published Friday in First Things, the archbishop was asked what he would say to those attending the... Read more

The second week of the Synod on Synodality assembly began Monday, Oct. 9, 2023, with a Greek-Byzantine Divine Liturgy offered in St. Peter’s Basilica for all Synod delegates.

PHOTOS: Synod on Synodality delegates attend Divine Liturgy in St. Peter’s Basilica

Oct 9, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Patriarchs representing many Eastern Catholic Churches chanted prayers and processed up to the basilica’s Altar of the Chair. Read more

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FACT CHECK: Did 118 participants at the Synod on Synodality really come down with COVID?

Oct 9, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

After consulting doctors, Cardinal Mario Grech said there was no reason to be alarmed about the spread of COVID at... Read more

The Synod on Synodality convened on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023.

This is Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October

Oct 9, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of October is for the Synod.  Read more

Metropolitan Job, the Eastern Orthodox bishop of Pisidia and the permanent representative of the Ecumenical Patriarchate to the World Council of Churches, speaks to delegates of the Synod on Synodality on Oct. 9, 2023, at the Vatican's Paul VI Hall. He is attending the Synod on Synodality as a fraternal delegate.

Eastern Orthodox synods are bishops-only, metropolitan tells delegates

Oct 9, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Speaking to the Synod, an Eastern Orthodox bishop said the definition of synodality of the October assembly “differs greatly” from... Read more

Synod on Synodality delegates in small groups listen on Oct. 4, 2023, to Pope Francis’ guidance for the upcoming weeks.

This week at the Synod on Synodality: Deliberations and veiled agendas

Oct 9, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Concerns linger about the potential for pressure groups to sway the synod’s course. Read more

Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu, archbishop of Kinshasa, speaks during a press briefing on the Amazon Synod at the Holy See Press Office on Oct. 22, 2019. Speaking at a press conference for the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican on Oct. 7, 2023, the Congolese cardinal said the initiative is providing “new ways to address problems, whatever they are” with “a spirit of synodality.”

Outcome of Synod will be welcomed as the ‘will of God,’ says African cardinal

Oct 7, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

Congolese Cardinal Fridolin Ambongo Besungu described synodality as “a new way of being a Church.” Read more

Speaking at a press briefing on Oct. 6, Vatican spokesman Paolo Ruffini said that there needs to be “a certain amount of confidentiality about who takes the floor and who doesn't in order to leave the space open … for ‘conversation in the Spirit.’”

Secrecy at the Synod on Synodality: What we know about delegates’ confidentiality requirements  

Oct 6, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The Synod on Synodality’s official regulations no longer allow Synod delegates to share their personal interventions with the public.  Read more

Pope Francis, the round tables at the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican, Cardinal Joseph Zen, and Paolo Ruffini.

Synod on Synodality 2023: Facts, anecdotes, and analysis from the first week

Oct 6, 2023

By Andrea Gagliarducci

Facts, anecdotes, and analysis from the first week of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops at... Read more

Father Marko Rupnik

Fact check: Does the Synod on Synodality website really feature artwork from Father Marko Rupnik?

Oct 6, 2023

By Daniel Payne

CNA fact-checks the claim that Father Marko Rupnik’s artwork is featured prominently by Catholic institutions, including the Synod on Synodality... Read more

The Synod on Synodality convened on Wednesday, Oct 4, 2023.

What is being discussed during the first week of the Synod on Synodality?

Oct 5, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

During the first full day of work Oct. 5, participants met in small groups of about 12 people where they... Read more

San Damiano cross.

Archbishop to Synod on Synodality: Proclaiming Jesus is ‘the greatest urgency’

Oct 5, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

“The greatest urgency, the truest reform is that of making Jesus our passion, our love, our everything,” said the bishop... Read more

Cardinal Raymond Burke was part of a panel that convened on the eve of the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 3, 2023.

The dubia were not meant as an attack on the pope, Cardinal Burke says

Oct 5, 2023

By Solène Tadié

The cardinal was speaking at a conference in Rome on Oct. 3 on the theme “the synodal Babel” to discuss... Read more

Synod on Synodality delegates in small groups listen to Pope Francis' guidance for the upcoming weeks on Oct. 4, 2023.

Pope Francis to Synod on Synodality: ‘Do not sadden the Holy Spirit’

Oct 4, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pointing synod delegates to texts by St. Basil on the Holy Spirit, the pope emphasized the importance of listening over... Read more

Pope Francis at the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 4, 2023.

New ‘grammar of synodality’ on display at start of synod gathering 

Oct 4, 2023

By Jonathan Liedl

On its opening day, synod leaders also highlighted the many ways in which the current gathering breaks the mold of... Read more

St. Peter’s Square was illuminated by candlelight the night of Saturday, May 20, 2023, as pilgrims prayed the rosary in a procession in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

St. Peter’s Basilica to offer nightly Eucharistic adoration during Synod on Synodality

Oct 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

The basilica will also host weekly candlelight rosary processions at 9 p.m. each Saturday in the month of October. Read more

Cardinal Joseph Zen preaches a sermon during a Mass at the Holy Cross Church on May 24, 2022, in Hong Kong, China.

Cardinal Zen expresses concerns about Synod on Synodality in leaked letter to bishops

Oct 4, 2023

By AC Wimmer

Just days before the Synod on Synodality kicked off its first round of meetings at the Vatican, a letter from... Read more

The opening Mass of the Synod on Synodality in St. Peter's Square on Oct. 4, 2023.

Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality’s primary task ‘to refocus our gaze on God’

Oct 4, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Pope Francis underlined that “the primary task of the synod” is to “refocus our gaze on God, to be a... Read more

Pope Francis created 21 new cardinals from across the world at the Saturday morning, Sept. 30, 2023, consistory in St. Peter’s Square.

Here’s what the Church’s newest cardinals think about the Synod on Synodality

Oct 3, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Six cardinals who are participating in this month’s Synod on Synodality — and five who are not — told CNA... Read more