POPE Francis capped the first session of the “Synod on Synodality” with a call to “dream” a Church that is merciful and inclusive, as the fruits of the synod are still far from being realized.
“This is the Church we are called to ‘dream’: A Church that is the servant of all, the servant of the least of our brothers and sisters,” the Pontiff said in his homily at the closing Mass of the synod on Sunday, Oct. 29, at St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican. “A Church that never demands an attestation of ‘good behavior,’ but welcomes, serves and loves. A Church with open doors that is a haven of mercy.”
The synod report released Oct. 28 called for greater participation of laypeople, especially women, in decision-making in the Church but did not call for the ordination of female deacons or blessings for same-sex couples as widely anticipated earlier.
Francis expressed gratitude to over 400 delegates who engaged in “a conversation in the Spirit” as they tackled hot-button issues, such as female deacons and outreach to the gay community, that will set the direction of the Church.
“The Lord will guide us and help us to be a more synodal and missionary Church – a Church that adores God and serves the women and men of our time, going forth to bring to everyone the consoling joy of the Gospel,” he said.
The Pope added the synod was grounded on the Lord’s two greatest commandments: loving God and loving one’s neighbor.
Francis also made time to decry the exploitation of civilians as the war between Israel and Hamas terrorists dragged on into its fourth week.
“It is a grave sin to exploit the vulnerable – a grave sin that corrodes fraternity and devastates society,” he said.
The United Nations General Assembly overwhelmingly passed a resolution on Thursday, Oct. 26, demanding an immediate humanitarian truce between the warring factions and the transport of lifesaving supplies to residents stuck inside the Palestinian enclave.
The first session of the synod commenced on Oct. 4 and lasted for three weeks. The agenda on the table is the product of multiyear listening sessions in dioceses around the world that began in 2021.
The second session will take place in October 2024, with the Pope either endorsing or rejecting the recommendations of the synod delegates. Justin Benedict T. Lim
