Welcome to the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality
The Holy See Press Office has been given a fresh new look just in time to host a significant press conference shedding light on the opening of the Second Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.
Authored by Isabello Piro and Deborah Castellano Lubov
The press conference, broadcast live from the Holy See Press Office at Via della Conciliazione 54, briefed attendees on topics such as peace, forgiveness, the pivotal role of women, as well as the operational procedures of the Study Groups.
Notable speakers at the event included Fr. Giacomo Costa, S.J., the special secretary of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops; Msgr. Riccardo Battocchio, also a Synod special secretary; delegate presidents of the Synod Assembly Sister Maria de los Dolores Palencia Gómez of the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph, and Bishop Daniel Ernest Flores of Brownsville, Texas.
Additionally, Dr. Paolo Ruffini, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication and Chair of the Commission for Information of the Synod Assembly, shared his insights with the press.
Paolo Ruffini: Spirituality and Prayer at the Core
Dr. Ruffini shared that 356 out of the 365 Synod members were in attendance at Paul VI Hall this morning.
The elected rapporteurs of each group were introduced, and the first of five working modules, focusing on the “Foundations” chapter of the Instrumentum Laboris, was initiated.
The Prefect stressed the crucial role of “spirituality and prayer” throughout the sessions, acknowledging the weight of the global situation on the participants’ hearts and minds, especially those hailing from regions of conflict or adversity.
In light of this, he underscored the urgent call of Pope Francis to “do everything possible to stop the violence” and “open paths to peace.”
Furthermore, Paolo Ruffini highlighted the invaluable contributions of the ten Study Groups as crucial components of the synodal process, guiding its evolution.
Father Costa: Working Groups as “Laboratories” of Synodal Life
Similarly, Father Costa echoed Pope Francis’ reminder that the Synod “is not a parliament,” but rather a space for attentive listening and communion. He emphasized that this intrinsic nature is not just theoretical but a tangible reality, evident in the joyous and profound atmosphere pervading the hall.
Fr. Costa urged attendees to view the Study Groups as “laboratories of synodal life,” welcoming input from all the faithful, with submissions accepted until June 2025.
He described these groups not as exclusive committees but as collaborative environments where the Church learns to cooperate, engaging in “mini” synodal processes on issues related, but distinct, from those in the Synod’s foundational document.
Methodology Shifts from 2023 to 2024
Reflecting on the distinctions between the First and Second Synodal Sessions, Father Costa recounted the emphasis placed on listening to diverse perspectives in 2023, allowing for the emergence of the “stories of the Church.” In contrast, the focus of the 2024 Assembly is to provide the Pope with orientations stemming from the collective journey thus far, fostering harmony without imposing uniformity.
He outlined the current methodology as one that facilitates a detailed analysis of key points through a “spiritual conversation,” while leaving room for ongoing exploration, steering clear of rigid conclusions.
Monsignor Battocchio: The Importance of Forgiveness and Theologians
Monsignor Battocchio, a theologian, delved into the theme of forgiveness, especially in light of the Penitential Vigil led by the Pope at St. Peter’s Basilica on October 1.
He hailed the Vigil as a symbolic representation of “what it means to be the Church,” highlighting the integral role of forgiveness and mercy in our communal journey.
Moreover, he lauded the theologians’ indispensable role in the Synod, tasked with providing a profound theological understanding of the discussions at hand. This year’s assembly saw a more prominent placement of their tables, further emphasizing their pivotal contribution.
Sister Palencia Gómez: Progress for Women
Sister Maria de los Dolores Palencia Gómez echoed the vibrant spirit and enthusiasm within the Assembly, underscoring the significance of participants walking together with a divine perspective amidst the harsh realities of the world.
She stressed that only through this lens can we experience true synodality and mission in a tangible, meaningful way.
Regarding the role of women in the Church, the Mexican nun acknowledged the substantial advancements made across various contexts and continents. Drawing from her Latin American experiences, she noted the growing recognition of women’s contributions within a synodal Church and the emerging prospects for further exploration and enhancement of women’s roles.
Issue Raised on the Female Diaconate
Touching on the topic of the female diaconate, the speakers reiterated Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández’s earlier statements, suggesting that while the time might not be ripe for immediate action, this topic should continue to be explored in the collective journey of the Church.
Bishop Flores: Silence as a Synodal Style
Bishop Flores emphasized the indispensable role of silence in the synodal process, referring to a meditation delivered by Mother Maria Ignazia Angelini on October 1. He viewed silence not as an absence but as a rich space where profound meaning and divine wisdom can emerge.
He portrayed silence as a fundamental component of the synodal style, enabling a deeper spiritual insight into the complexities of the world around us.
Embracing Local Perspectives
Bishop Flores highlighted the value of local perspectives as essential not as adversaries but as vehicles for disciplined, patient listening within the Church. By engaging with diverse viewpoints, the Church gains a more holistic picture of Christ’s presence in the world.
He emphasized the Synod’s mission to discover a unified voice representing the Church’s contemporary reality, underlining the superiority of collective wisdom over individual viewpoints.
Holy Father’s Peace Initiatives and Upcoming Events
The press conference concluded with a reminder of Pope Francis’s forthcoming peace initiatives scheduled for October 6 and 7. These include the recitation of the Holy Rosary at Santa Maria Maggiore and a Day of Prayer and Fasting.
All Synod participants are encouraged to attend Sunday’s events, while Monday’s session promises a special atmosphere characterized by prayer and simplicity.
