Pope to Open Bishops' Synod This October... Seeking to Strengthen the Role of Laity

Pope Francis [Photo by Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Donghoon Jeong] Pope Francis will convene a new 'World Synod of Bishops (Synod)' starting this October, continuing over two years.

According to the daily La Repubblica and others on the 22nd (local time), the Pope approved the holding of the bishops' synod last month on the 24th under the theme "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission."

At this synod, it is known that discussions will focus on breaking away from the rigid framework of the church hierarchy, expanding the participation of the laity, and promoting reforms from the bottom up. This is part of efforts toward a more horizontal church. The Pope has been pursuing reforms to avoid clericalism and to expand and strengthen the role of the laity within canon law.

The synod will proceed in three stages. From October this year to April next year, discussions will take place at the level of dioceses worldwide; from September next year to March 2023, continental discussions will be held. In the final year, October 2023, a world bishops' synod led by the Pope will be held in Rome, Italy, based on these discussions.

The Holy See stated, "This synod will not be a one-time event but a process involving the participation of 'the People of God' under the cooperation of the episcopate and the Roman bishop (the Pope)."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.