Reflecting on the faith and communion of Chinese Catholics, two Chinese bishops, Joseph Yang Yongqiang and Vincent Zhan Silu, extended their greetings to Pope Francis and other delegates at the ongoing Synod on Synodality, Vatican City, in October 2024.
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.
On 11 October, in a profoundly symbolic ecumenical vigil commemorating the anniversary of the Second Vatican Council, Pope Francis gathered with Christian leaders from various denominations and believers from across the globe in Protomartyrs Square, an event rich in both historical and theological significance.
One year after Hamas’ largest terrorist attack on Israeli soil, Pope Francis expressed his solidarity with
the victims of continued violence in the Middle East.
Father Timothy Radcliffe, Dominican Friar and former Master of the Order of Preachers, urged participants of the Synod to embrace cultural diversity as central to the Church’s mission during his meditation on “Resurrection Fishing” at the Synod Retreat.
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.
A Filipino cardinal reminded parish priests to foster active participation in their parish communities by encouraging parishioners to witness their faith boldly.
"Jesus, as a discerning shepherd, consistently acted following the will of His Father, exemplifying humility in his ministry. He guides us, as priests, to embrace humility," Cardinal Ferrão the Prelate.
“Now, we are all called to respond to this collective discernment and to once again contribute to the further enrichment and maturation of the Church's synodal reflections,” said Garcera.
Despite facing rejection, Jesus does not allow Himself “to be imprisoned by disappointment,” but instead looks to the Father, remaining “serene even in the storm,” the Pope said.
"In Africa, we believe that we have to journey together as a family, to listen to one another. And that is why Pope Francis invited us to journey together in this Synod on Synodality, to enlarge our hearts,” Archbishop Lucio Muandula.
Cardinal Bo stated that a change of attitude is required in our approach towards the challenges we face. He offered the word L.E.N.T as an acronym for this attitudinal change:
Cardinal Hollerich explained how each delegate is like a musical instrument, and ought to function continuously in tune with others (instruments), with discipline, to produce the synodal symphony.
