Diocesan Synod

In 2021, Pope Francis called for a General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops – a “synod on synodality” with the theme of Communion, Participation, Mission.

The Holy Father’s goal was that we would learn to be a synodal Church in mission.  He asked Bishops to consult with the People of God in their dioceses, inviting all to reflect upon and share their hopes, their dreams, and their concerns about the Church. Thus, during the time period from 2021 to the present day, the Church has been engaged in that process, proceeding through stages known as the Diocesan Phase (which included regional and national consultations as well), the Continental Phase (which included the US and Canada), and an Interim Phase between the first meeting of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 and the second General Assembly in October 2024. Following the General Assembly of 2024, the Holy Father and the General Secretariat for the Synod promulgated the “Final Document” of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

Throughout all phases, the Church has experienced profound listening, as well as the process of “Conversations in the Spirit” as the method of discussion and discernment.

In the words of Pope Francis, “The purpose of the Synod…is not to produce documents, but to ‘plant dreams, draw forth prophecies and allow hope to flourish, inspire trust, bind up wounds, weave together relationships,  awaken a dawn of hope, learn from one another, and bright resourcefulness that will enlighten minds, warm hearts, (and) give strength to our hands.’”

Now, the Church is in the Implementation Phase, as it strives to recall the journey thus far, and to continue to journey together to becoming more and more a synodal church: a church that listens, a church that calls all of us to becoming “missionary disciples” of Christ. Pope Leo continues guiding the Church in this journey.