The Synod on Synodality, Rome, October 2024. 

The second Vatican assembly for the global Synod on Synodality began on Oct. 2nd, bringing together clerics and laity alike for nearly one month of discussions. The Synod was initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, when Catholics worldwide were asked to submit feedback on the question “What steps does the Spirit invite us to take in order to grow in our ‘journeying together?”  At the Synod’s opening mass Pope Francis emphasized the need for ‘conversion’ – involving a change of heart, a change of mentality, a change in the way we live and act as followers of Jesus Christ in the church and in the world.  During the synod’s first press conference on Oct. 3rd, US Bishop, D. Flores said that in order to tackle the biggest challenges facing the church, Catholics must listen to those from different countries and cultures and with different life experiences. “Perspective is not the enemy of the truth. It’s the normal way of the church. That’s why we have four Gospels,” Bishop Flores said.  The Synod will conclude with a vote on the final document on Oct. 26th, and Mass the following day.