Pope Francis Launches New Phase in Church’s Synodal Journey
Exciting news has emerged from the Vatican as Pope Francis has officially kickstarted a new chapter in the Church’s synodal journey. The pontiff has given his approval for an accompaniment process that will lead to an Ecclesial Assembly in the year 2028.
By Isabella Piro
Cardinal Mario Grech, the Secretary General of the Synod’s General Secretariat, shared the details of this significant development. He announced the convening of a special post-synodal Ecclesial Assembly to be held in the Vatican in October 2028. This assembly marks the culmination of a three-year process that will accompany the implementation of the outcomes of the Synod.
The Secretary General explained to Vatican Media that the 2028 Ecclesial Assembly will provide a platform to gather the fruits that have matured during the Synod on the theme: “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.”
Implementing the Synod’s Outcomes
In a letter addressed to all Bishops, Eparchs, Patriarchs, and Major Archbishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches, Cardinal Grech clarified that the assembly is not a new Synod. Instead, it refers to the implementation phase of the three-year Synod that concluded in October 2024.
It is essential to note that the Final Document of the 16th General Assembly, as emphasized by the Pope, is part of the ordinary Magisterium of the Successor of Peter. Local Churches are urged to commit to implementing the document’s guidelines through processes of discernment and decision-making.
Concrete Exchanges Within the Church
The implementation phase should not be viewed as a mere application of directives but as a reception process that respects local cultures and community needs. The goal is to make exchanges and dialogue between Churches and within the Church a tangible reality.
Involving All Members of the Church
A crucial aspect of the implementation process is the active involvement of priests, deacons, consecrated persons, and laypeople who contributed to the Synod. Synodal teams, accompanied by their bishop, will play a vital role in this effort.
Study Groups and Commission Involvement
The process will integrate the outcomes of Study Groups and the contributions of the Canonical Commission of the Synod. These bodies have been actively examining issues and serving the Synod’s objectives.
Exciting Events on the Horizon
Cardinal Grech outlined the stages of the accompaniment process, leading up to the Ecclesial Assembly in 2028. A Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies is scheduled for October 24-26, emphasizing the commitment to a synodal Church within the ongoing Holy Year.
As evaluation Assemblies take place in various Church structures, the focus remains on preparing for the Ecclesial Assembly in 2028. The Church community is also called to pray for Pope Francis’ health as he continues his recovery.
With these steps in place, the Church is poised to embark on an exciting journey towards greater communion, participation, and mission under the guidance of Pope Francis.
