The XV Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod Meets with Pope Francis
Recently, the members of the XV Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod had the honor of meeting with Pope Francis. This meeting marks a significant step in their ongoing work on the “Instrumentum laboris” for the upcoming Second Session of the General Assembly of the Synod.
Following a recent meeting of theologians, the Ordinary Council of the Synod, which consists of members elected at last year’s General Assembly, is intensifying its efforts on the Instrumentum laboris (IL) that will provide guidance for the upcoming Synod meeting in October.
The IL draft was crafted in the aftermath of extensive consultations with theologians who considered reports from various Bishops’ conferences, Eastern Catholic Churches, as well as feedback from numerous Catholic institutions and individuals worldwide.
A Dedication to Accountability
Cardinal Mario Grech emphasized the importance of accountability in their work, stating that the wide-ranging consultation was an expression of the synodal Church’s commitment to circularity and authenticity. The principles of synodality were at the core of their discussions.
Pope Francis, during the Council’s meeting with him, offered words of encouragement, urging them to continue their vital work towards pastoral conversion and a deeper understanding of synodality. He highlighted the significance of trust in the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
Looking Towards the Future
As the Council moves forward, a new version of the IL is set to be drafted based on their work and extensive reviews. This draft will undergo approval by the Council before reaching the Holy Father for final approval. The anticipated publication date for the Instrumentum laboris is in early July.
For more information, you can access the full press release on the official Synod website.
Stay tuned for further updates on this important journey towards the Second Session of the General Assembly of the Synod.
Written by Christopher Wells
