The ongoing Synod of Bishops at the Vatican continued to delve into various issues, highlighting the Church’s commitment to addressing the needs of the poor, the vulnerable, and the marginalized.
During Saturday’s Synod briefing, a range of topics were discussed, from the role of women in the Church to the protection of minors and vulnerable individuals, according to Vatican News.
One of the key moments of the Synod was the special appeal for peace in the Middle East, a region marked by conflict and suffering.
Participants in the Synod Hall expressed their concern for the young people in the Middle East and the importance of providing them with hope and the means to achieve peace.
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication and President of the Synod Information Commission, emphasized the importance of dialogue, mutual listening, and communion with the Pope in addressing various challenges faced by the Church and the world.
The participants recognized the duty of the Church to welcome and protect LGBTQ individuals and to reject violence against them.
Sheila Pires, Secretary of the Information Commission, focused on the role of women and consecrated individuals in decision-making processes within the Church.
The issue of clericalism was also addressed, with a call for ongoing formation to address abuse and the need for appropriate structures to combat abuse.
Another recurring theme in the Synod discussions was the Church’s mission in the digital age, emphasizing the importance of engaging people in their real lives, not just in virtual spaces.
Cardinal Pedro Ricardo Barreto Jimeno, Archbishop of Huancayo, highlighted the unity in diversity within the Synod, emphasizing that the Synod was a result of a two-year preparation involving various segments of the Church, including bishops, religious, and laypeople.
He emphasized the importance of gathering the lived experience and diversity of the Church to discern the guidance of the Holy Spirit.
Bishop Franz-Josef Overbeck of Essen discussed the experience of the synodal path in the Catholic Church in Germany.
He noted that the path was initiated in response to the large number of abuse cases in the country and involved a collaborative approach with various segments of the Church.
The path focused on power, priesthood, the role of women, and sexual morality, with an emphasis on self-critically examining the work of the Church and returning to the sources of theological knowledge.
Bishop Jean-Marc Eychenne of Grenoble-Vienne in France shared his experience of co-responsibility within the Church, emphasizing the importance of involving the entire community in decision-making processes.
He mentioned the inclusion of women in leadership roles within the Church as a way to promote co-responsibility.
Sister Maria Nirmalini, General Superior of the Apostolic Carmel Congregation in India, stressed the ongoing nature of the Synodal journey and the importance of sharing experiences and ideas among participants.
She highlighted the significance of praying for peace, migrants, and refugees and the unity of all members of the Church.
The Synod also addressed questions about the role of female deacons and the possibility of married deacons having a “priestly” role.
The participants recognized the need to gather diverse experiences and engage in reflection on these important issues.
The Synod continues to be a platform for open and constructive dialogue on the various challenges and opportunities facing the Catholic Church in today’s world.
