Pope Francis calls parish priests to become "Missionaries of Synodality"

In a significant address to parish priests gathered for the International Meeting "Parish Priests for the Synod", Pope Francis issued a heartfelt appeal for priests worldwide to actively engage in the ongoing synodal process. 

The Holy Father emphasized the crucial role that parish priests play in shaping the future of the Church and invited them to help facilitate deeper involvement in the upcoming Second Session of the Synod of Bishops.

Speaking to the assembled clergy, Pope Francis remarked, "We need your help to continue to listen to the voice of parish priests in view of the Second Session of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This meeting has been very important, but it is not enough: we must do more if we want to make a larger number of parish priests enter into the synodal dynamism."

The Pope’s message carried a clear mandate: he urged priests to become "missionaries of synodality" in their respective parishes and dioceses. His call to action outlined a practical plan for parish priests to reflect on their ministry and initiate conversations on synodal renewal.

 "I ask you today to become missionaries of synodality with your brother parish priests, once you return home: inspiring reflection on the renewal of the ministry of the parish priest in a synodal and missionary light," Pope Francis encouraged.

The Pope also emphasized the importance of dialogue among parish priests, whether through in-person or online meetings and requested that these gatherings be reported to the Secretariat of the Synod. 

He instructed the priests to "inform the Secretariat of the Synod of the fruits of these meetings, following the directions that will be given to you."

A crucial aspect of the Pope’s mandate is the collaboration between parish priests and their bishops, as well as national episcopal conferences. 

"As you return home, speak about this idea with your bishops and with the episcopal conferences, and tell them too that it is a task given to you by the Pope," Pope Francis urged.

Pope Francis reassured the priests of his prayers and reminded them to reciprocate, saying, "Thank you for your collaboration. I will accompany you with my prayer, and you too, please do not forget to pray for me."

The Pope also announced that he had written a letter to all parish priests worldwide, presenting the attendees as "missionaries of synodality" and empowering them to lead the initiative. 

A signed copy of the letter would be provided to each priest, with the expectation that it would be shared upon their return to their parishes.

This bold appeal marks another step in Pope Francis’s ongoing effort to foster a more inclusive and participatory Church, where the voice of every member is heard and respected, particularly during the pivotal synodal process.

The Second Session of the Synod on Synodality, scheduled for October 2-27, 2024, is part of Pope Francis's ongoing initiative to reflect on how the Church can be more synodal — meaning more inclusive, collaborative, and participatory in its decision-making and mission. 

This Synod aims to emphasize the Church's journey towards communion, participation, and mission, central themes that encourage the involvement of all members of the Church, especially the laity.