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

Bishop Gregory Mansour of the Maronite Eparchy of St. Maron of Brooklyn.

Maronite bishop: ‘I hope the synod will focus on servant leadership’

Oct 3, 2023

By Joe Bukuras

Maronite Bishop Gregory Mansour said the Synod on Synodality can be a “source” of progress for the Church in “deepening... Read more

Bishop Robert Barron speaks to tens of thousands of young people at a World Youth Day gathering in Lisbon, Portugal, Aug. 2, 2023.

Bishop Barron: As I leave for the Synod on Synodality

Oct 3, 2023

By Bishop Robert Barron

Bishop Robert Barron wrote a message to his flock before leaving for Rome for the Synod on Synodality, which will... Read more

Father James Martin, SJ.

Jesuit Father James Martin says there are many chaste gay priests in the Church

Oct 2, 2023

By Nicolás de Cárdenas

In an Oct. 1 interview with the Spanish newspaper El Periódico, Martin stressed that “it is crucial to point out... Read more

Father Timothy Radcliffe addresses the bishops of the Catholic Church in England and Wales.

Synod on Synodality retreat looks to ‘transcend all our disagreements’

Oct 2, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Hundreds of synod delegates are meeting in a retreat center in Sacrofano, 20 miles north of Rome, for the three-day... Read more

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Answering the doubts: What are dubia?  

Oct 2, 2023

By Matthew Bunson

The word “dubia” — plural for a “dubium” — literally means, from the Latin, “doubts.” But another way of translating... Read more

Statue of St. Peter in front of St. Peter's Basilica.

Cardinals send ‘dubia’ to Pope Francis ahead of Synod on Synodality

Oct 2, 2023

By Edward Pentin

The cardinals said they submitted five questions, called a “dubia,” on Aug. 21 requesting clarity on several topics. Read more

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández.

‘Not much new’ will come out of this year’s synod, Vatican’s doctrine chief predicts

Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández predicts that “those who expect big changes” to come out of this month’s Synod of Bishops... Read more

Five children representing five continents speak with Pope Francis in the Apostolic Palace at the Vatican on Oct. 1, 2023. The pope will hold a meeting with children at the Vatican on Nov. 6, 2023.

Pope Francis to hold meeting with children at the Vatican on Nov. 6

Oct 1, 2023

By Rachel Thomas

The theme of the event in the Paul VI Audience Hall will be “Let us learn from boys and girls.”  Read more

Julia Oseka with Archbishop Nelson Perez of Philadelphia. Perez and other SCHEAP members selected Oseka as one of three Philadelphia delegates to the Synod on Synodality’s North American Continental Assembly.

Meet Julia Oseka: The 22-year-old U.S. voting delegate at the Synod on Synodality

Oct 1, 2023

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

The junior at St. Joseph’s University in Philadelphia, who is majoring in physics and theology, said her participation is “very... Read more

The Sept. 30, 2023, prayer service, called “Together,” which was organized by the ecumenical community Taizé, included eight minutes of silence for personal prayer.

Pope Francis calls silence ‘essential’ at prayer vigil for Synod on Synodality

Sep 30, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Before thousands of young people and Christian leaders from around the world, Francis emphasized the importance of silent prayer. Read more

The 2023 Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops (CCCB) being held Sept. 25-28, 2023, outside of Toronto, Ontario.

Canadian bishops reject euthanasia, discuss Indigenous fund, synod at end of meeting

Sep 29, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

The 2023 Plenary Assembly of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops wrapped up on Thursday. Read more

Bishop Georg Bätzing addresses journalists on Sept 28, 2023.

German bishops conclude tense gathering with all eyes on Synod on Synodality in Rome

Sep 29, 2023

By AC Wimmer

Conscious of mounting tensions and open defiance around certain issues, the assembly in Wiesbaden served as a charged prelude to... Read more

Archbishop Andrew Fuanya Nkea of the Archdiocese of Bamenda in Cameroon.

Cameroon archbishop: ‘No room for distraction’ for delegates to Synod on Synodality

Sep 27, 2023

By ACI Africa

“We are not going to allow ourselves to be distracted by the social media antics,” Archbishop Andrew Nkea Fuanya said. Read more

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Canadian bishops prepare for synod, discuss humanitarian efforts in Honduras

Sep 26, 2023

By Tyler Arnold

The bishops gathered Monday in King City, Ontario, just outside of Toronto, for their four-day annual meeting. Read more

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Diocese of Rome: Thousands expected at Vatican for ecumenical prayer vigil ahead of synod

Sep 25, 2023

By Daniel Payne

The prayer service will take place just days before the launch of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of... Read more

Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel told Swiss newspaper “NZZ am Sonntag” on Sept 24, “It’s time to abolish mandatory celibacy.”

Swiss bishop calls for women’s ordination, end to celibacy ahead of synod

Sep 25, 2023

By AC Wimmer

“It’s time to abolish mandatory celibacy,” Bishop Felix Gmür of Basel told the Swiss newspaper NZZ am Sonntag on Sept... Read more

Pope Francis led the opening procession of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazon Region from St. Peter's Basilica to the Synod Hall where he led the opening prayer, Oct. 7, 2019.

Synod on Synodality: Read the final list of delegates

Sep 22, 2023

By CNA Staff

The Vatican has published the final list of names of those participating in the upcoming Synod on Synodality assembly in... Read more

Credit: FreshStock/Shutterstock

Who are the Chinese bishops attending the Synod on Synodality?

Sep 21, 2023

By Courtney Mares

Bishop Antonio Yao Shun of Jining and Bishop Joseph Yang Yongqiang of Zhoucun will participate in the October assembly. Read more

Pope Francis greets Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, the president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, on Feb. 20, 2023.

Synod 2023: Participants to include two bishops from mainland China, Archbishop Paglia

Sep 21, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The leadership of the Synod on Synodality have released the final list of participants for the first session of the... Read more

Bishop Alfredo de la Cruz of San Francisco de Macorís, Dominican Republic.

Bishop who will attend synod: We must address issue of women deacons and priests

Sep 20, 2023

By Walter Sánchez Silva

The bishop of San Francisco de Macorís in the Dominican Republic, Alfredo De la Cruz, said the Synod on Synodality... Read more