Synod Archives

Critics charge German ‘synodal path’ exploits suffering of abuse victims

Mar 26, 2021

Critics charge that in the German “synodal path,” the suffering of abuse victims is being weaponized for ideological ends by forces seeking to revive old arguments in Catholicism over power and sex, trying to use the abuse crisis to justify profound changes in Catholic teaching and tradition.

By Inés San Martín

Italian bishops plan synodal path to overcome ‘stale’ structures

Mar 26, 2021

This week the Italian bishops set to work on the initial preparations of their upcoming “synodal journey,” which was explicitly asked for by Pope Francis and will likely aim to get Catholics in the country on the same page with the pope’s agenda.

By Elise Ann Allen

Irish bishops announce ‘synodal pathway’ during ‘pivotal time’

Mar 12, 2021

Ireland’s Catholic bishops have announced they will embark on a “synodal pathway” for the Church and hold a National Synodal Assembly within the next five years.

By Charles Collins

Dallas bishop will convene diocesan synod; it’ll be a 10-year process

Mar 4, 2021

Recognizing the pandemic has taken its toll on discipleship and could lead to the faithful in the Diocese of Dallas becoming complacent, Bishop Edward J. Burns announced he will convene a synod in the diocese Dec. 12, the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe.

By Catholic News Service

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

German bishops press ahead with plans for reform consultation

Oct 2, 2019

Germany’s Catholic bishops are pressing ahead with a national reform consultation, or “synodal way,” despite cautions from the Vatican and criticism from some bishops.

By Jonathan Luxmoore

In season of synods, Italy may be next to see if pope’s gamble pays off

Sep 21, 2019

The press for a synod of the Italian Church is coming from the Primate of Italy himself, meaning the pope, and his closest allies.

By John L. Allen Jr.

Synods are not for deal-making, but for listening to Spirit, pope says

Sep 3, 2019

Before a synod, bishops must learn what their people want and think and need, not so they can change church teaching, but so they can preach the Gospel more effectively, Pope Francis told the bishops of the Ukrainian Catholic Church.

By Cindy Wooden