Cardinal Hollerich highlights the significance of ‘Places’ in the Church’s Mission

As the Synod of Bishops progresses into its second session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.J., the Synod’s general rapporteur, delivered a significant presentation focused on the theme of “places,” which is central to Part III of the Instrumentum laboris.

Speaking in the Paul VI Hall, where Synod participants have gathered for nearly two months, Cardinal Hollerich underscored how the concept of “places” plays a vital role in embodying the Church’s mission and fostering the tangible relationships that shape the faith. 

"The Church cannot be understood without being rooted in a place and a culture," the Cardinal stated, reminding attendees that local contexts form the foundation of how the Church interacts with the world.

In an era marked by globalization and digitalization, traditional geographical and spatial boundaries have blurred.

Yet, Cardinal Hollerich emphasized that the human need for connection and belonging remains as strong as ever, even though these relationships increasingly unfold in dynamic, mobile networks, including the digital realm. 

This evolution, he noted, requires the Church to reflect on how its mission of proclaiming the Gospel must adapt to these new realities.

“The question before us,” Cardinal Hollerich posed, “is how Church institutions can evolve to meet the needs of today’s world while staying true to their mission.” 

He called on Synod participants to consider how the Church can rethink its institutional structures to serve in this new context, ensuring that missionary work remains effective in an interconnected world.

The theme of "places" also extends beyond physical geography to encompass the rich interrelationships between various cultures. 

These connections, Cardinal Hollerich explained, influence both the unity and diversity of the Church. 

He highlighted the special bond between Eastern and Western Churches, which, though distinct in tradition, maintain deep relationships at local, regional, and global levels. 

This dynamic is evident in the exchange of gifts between the Churches, fostering global communion within the Catholic Church.

In his address, Cardinal Hollerich also spoke about the essential role of the Bishop of Rome in preserving the unity of the Church. 

The Synod, he said, offers a unique opportunity to provide feedback on how the Roman Curia can better serve local churches worldwide, strengthening the bonds between communities and the Vatican.

In a reflective moment, Cardinal Hollerich invited Synod members to consider the significance of their time together in the Paul VI Hall, which has become a place of deep collaboration. 

He noted that the relationships built in this shared space are not confined to its walls but radiate outward, encompassing the global Church. 

“The experiences we’ve shared here must not remain within these walls,” he urged. Instead, the goal is to make the richness of the Synodal experience accessible to all members of the Church.

While not all the faithful can physically participate in the Synod, Cardinal Hollerich emphasized that the Church’s mission is to extend the fruits of this gathering to the entire People of God. 

Through renewed organizational and institutional structures, he said, the Synodal process can be brought to life in local churches, allowing all believers to engage in the dynamic journey of the synodal Church.

The Cardinal’s presentation concluded with a call to action, urging participants to propose concrete ways to ensure the lessons learned in this "place" can resonate throughout the global Church. 

By doing so, he affirmed, the entire People of God will be able to participate fully in the Church’s mission, regardless of their location.