First Phase of the Global Catholic Bishops’ Synod Concludes

The first phase of the Global Catholic Bishops’ Synod concluded on October 29, 2023, at the Basilica of Saint Peter in Vatican City, with a Mass celebrated by Pope Francis, the head and father of the global Catholic Church, and concelebrated by cardinals, bishops, and priests.

The Syro Malankara Catholic Church was represented at the synod by its head and father, Moran Mor Baselios Cardinal Cleemis Catholicos. The synod, which has adopted the reflection theme “Synodality for the Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” will hold its second and final phase in October 2024.

The first phase of the synod was a time of listening and discernment for the bishops from around the world. They met in small groups to discuss the reflection theme and to share their experiences and insights. The bishops also heard from a variety of people, including laypeople, religious, and young people.

The bishops will use the information and insights they gathered during the first phase to draft a document for the second phase of the synod. This document will be a synthesis of the bishops’ reflections and recommendations.

The second and final phase of the synod will be a time of prayer and reflection for the bishops. They will also meet in small groups to discuss the document that was drafted during the first phase. The bishops will then vote on the document and submit it to Pope Francis for his approval.

The synod is a significant event in the life of the global Catholic Church. It is an opportunity for the bishops to listen to the voices of the people of God and to discern how the church can be more synodal, or more inclusive and participatory.