The Vatican’s second and final Synod on Synodality emphasizes dialogue with other Christian denominations, transparency, and accountability for past mistakes within the Catholic Church. The synod, scheduled for Oct. 3-27, 2024, at the Vatican, follows the theme, “How to be a synodal church in mission?”
Organizers outlined the next steps during a press conference, stressing that the synodal process, initiated three years ago, is now reaching its climax. Cardinal Mario Grech, the synod’s general secretary, explained that the process will now expand to include the wider church, focusing on inclusivity and openness.
Pope Francis launched this synod in 2021, encouraging all Catholics to engage with critical issues facing the Church, such as clerical abuse, the role of women, and the inclusion of marginalized groups. These concerns were addressed in parishes, bishops’ assemblies, and continental conferences, culminating in the 2023 Vatican summit.
A document called Instrumentum Laboris summarized the findings from this global consultation, marking a historic effort to involve non-clergy members in the discussion. A diverse group of 368 synod delegates, with 25% being non-bishops, will meet again in October to finalize a document.
Vatican Synod Focuses on Dialogue, Accountability, and Inclusivity as It Nears Climax
Before the synod, a two-day spiritual retreat will be held, followed by a penitential celebration at St. Peter’s Basilica on Oct. 2. During this event, the Church will seek forgiveness for various sins, including clerical abuse, mistreatment of migrants and the environment, and exclusion of women and youth.
Additionally, the Church will repent for using doctrine as a weapon and for failures in synodality, which includes a lack of listening and inclusion. Pope Francis will lead a prayer for the repentance of sin, aiming to restore trust with younger generations of Catholics.
The number of representatives from other Christian denominations at the synod has increased to include groups such as the World Lutheran Federation and the Syriac Orthodox Church of Antioch. This focus on ecumenical dialogue aligns with Pope Francis’ vision of fostering cooperation across Christian traditions.
On Oct. 11, an ecumenical prayer vigil will be held near the Vatican, marking the 62nd anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, which opened the Catholic Church to greater dialogue with other faiths. This event underscores the synod’s commitment to promoting peace and collaboration among religious communities.
The synod discussions will build on four key themes from the 2023 summit: synodality, church relations, pathways for change, and the relationship between local churches and the Vatican. Delegates will engage in small working groups to address these topics in detail, organized by language to facilitate diverse input.
Reports from these groups will be compiled into a final document, which will be voted on by all participants. Experts, including theologians and canon lawyers, will assist in drafting the final text, and Pope Francis may follow up with an apostolic exhortation to expand on the synod’s conclusions.
Some contentious issues, such as LGBTQ inclusion and women’s ordination as deacons, will not be discussed at the October summit but are being addressed by theological committees, with findings expected in 2025. Male and female representatives will present the committees’ reflections at the synod, but these topics require more in-depth theological exploration.
Despite concerns from some faithful about the delay in addressing these issues, efforts are being made to promote transparency by allowing public participation in the theological forums, though synod participants are still bound by confidentiality.
