Synod of Bishops Archives

‘Synodality’ and women’s empowerment go together, leading sisters say

Mar 27, 2021

A top Vatican official, and one of the most celebrated examples of Pope Francis’s commitment to hearing the voices of women, has called the concept of synodality the pope promotes a process of empowerment for the entire Church.

By Elise Ann Allen

Nun says her Vatican appointment means ‘clericalist mindset is changing’

Feb 11, 2021

A French nun who could potentially be the first woman to cast a vote in the Synod of Bishops said Wednesday that her appointment is evidence the “clericalist mindset is changing” as more and more women assume high-level decision-making responsibilities in the Catholic hierarchy.

By Inés San Martín

Naming undersecretaries for synod, pope gives a woman a vote

Feb 7, 2021

Xaviere Missionary Sister Nathalie Becquart will not be the first woman undersecretary of a major Vatican office, but she will be the first woman with a right to vote at a meeting of the Synod of Bishops.

By Cindy Wooden

‘Small things count,’ says cardinal-designate from Maltese island

Nov 23, 2020

When he was bishop of the Diocese of Gozo, Malta, Cardinal-designate Mario Grech “was a shepherd with a listening ear” and “a powerful and prophetic word” on behalf of the poor and disadvantaged, said an editorial in the Times of Malta.

By Cindy Wooden

Synods may be just a little duller without Baldisseri around

Sep 19, 2020

On Wednesday the Vatican announced that Italian Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri, who turns 79 at the end of this month, has stepped down as Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops and will be replaced by Bishop Mario Grech of Malta.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Pope names Maltese bishop secretary-general of Synod of Bishops

Sep 16, 2020

Pope Francis has accepted the resignation of Italian Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri as secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops and appointed in his place its current pro-secretary-general, Maltese Bishop Mario Grech.

By Carol Glatz

Nun backs bishop who called for women’s voting rights during synods

Jul 15, 2020

One nun has praised Archbishop Eric de Moulins-Beaufort, president of the French Bishops’ Conference (CEF), for saying women religious should have the right to vote during synods of bishops.

By Elise Ann Allen

Pope chooses ‘synodality’ as theme for 2022 synod

Mar 9, 2020

Pope Francis has decided the next world Synod of Bishops at the Vatican, which will take place in October 2022, will have the theme: “For a synodal church: Communion, participation and mission.”

By Cindy Wooden