International Pope opens decisive round of the World Synod in Rome
At the start of the decisive round of the World Synod of the Catholic Church, Pope Francis called on the participants to put aside their individual agendas and really listen to each other in order to bring something new into being.
02.10.2024, 12:50
SDA
Otherwise, everyone is just trying to "pour water on their own mill" without listening to the others and, above all, without listening to the voice of God, said the Pontiff at the opening service in St. Peter's Square in Rome.
The World Synod is considered one of the Pope's most important reform projects. It will deal with the question of decision-making processes and co-determination in the Church. Believers worldwide are hoping for concrete reforms and resolutions from the World Synod.
Church representatives met for the first round in Rome last October. The church meeting from October 2 to 27 will be attended by 368 voting members. The vast majority are bishops, but other clergy and laity are also present. As in the first part last year, around 50 women will also take part.
Once again, the head of around 1.4 billion Catholics emphasized that the meeting in Rome is not a parliamentary assembly. There will be a final document at the end of the meeting.
However, the Pope alone decides which recommendations he accepts and which he does not. His decision to exclude topics such as the ordination of women or the treatment of homosexuality from the major debates caused irritation.
