Synod Briefing – Day 13: A Mediterranean Assembly to listen to migrants
During the press conference on October 17 at the Vatican Press Room, the work of the Churches engaged in the pastoral care of human mobility was praised. There is also a focus on caring for young people and people with disabilities, with calls for closer ties between the Roman Curia and local communities.
By Antonella Palermo and Roberto Paglialonga
During the morning session of the Synod, the idea of a “Mediterranean ecclesial assembly” was proposed to hear the voices of migrants. The assembly expressed gratitude for the role of churches in welcoming migrants and praised the networks that support this mission.
Among the topics discussed was the attention given to young people and people with disabilities, with the hope of stronger links between the Roman Curia and local communities. Tomorrow, it was learned, Cardinals Hollerich and Grech, Sister Salazar and Bishop Flores will meet with university students to discuss the topics covered during the assembly.
Focus on disability and interreligious dialogue
346 people were present in the room, and the discussion continued with free interventions on themes 2 and 3 of the Work instrument. There has been a call to revitalize the role of parishes, more direct involvement of young people and real attention to people with disabilities, including the creation of a specific council for them. Other issues raised include the role of “virtual networks”, such as Talitha Kum, and how to integrate them into bishops’ conferences, as well as the proposal for a common platform for students of different religions attending Catholic schools . Tomorrow, Cardinals Jean-Claude Hollerich and Mario Grech, Sister Leticia Salazar and Mgr Daniel Flores will meet with university students to discuss the topics of the Synod.
Stronger ties between Rome and local Churches
Paolo Ruffini, prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, underlined the essential role of religious orders, particularly in places of great suffering and distress or in the field of education. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening the relationship between synodality and primacy, which was discussed in the open forums. Ruffini stressed that it is surprising that, so many years after Vatican II, the theological status of bishops’ conferences remains unclear. It was suggested that local churches be consulted more when preparing documents and that Vatican dicasteries visit smaller communities and dioceses more often.
Build fraternal bonds
Sister Samuela Maria Rigon, Superior General of the Sisters of the Sorrowful Mother, spoke about the synodal experience and stressed the importance of building fraternal relationships. She pointed out that about a quarter of the participants in the Synod are lay people, young people and religious people, all of whom have the opportunity to express themselves. Although tensions arise from different points of view on certain subjects, she explained that these are not polarizations but multiple polarities, such as the male/female dynamic.
The Synod in the Asian Church
Cardinal Charles Bo, Archbishop of Yangon, Myanmar, and President of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC), gave a brief overview of the synodal process in Asia. He spoke about the growing involvement of young people in digital evangelism, creative pastoral initiatives and the challenges posed by clericalism. Despite the resistance of certain bishops, the FABC is satisfied with the progress made, in particular with the Church’s commitment to listening to all.
Need for structural change
Cardinal Gérald Cyprien Lacroix of Quebec, Canada, stressed the need for the Church to “listen,” especially to those who are different, and to avoid solving problems solely through violence. He called for structural changes, particularly in missionary practices, media and the deepening of spiritual life.
Adapting to the contemporary world
The conversation also touched on decentralization between Rome and the bishops’ conferences, as well as the relationship between listening and implementing changes. Prefect Ruffini explained that the idea of granting more powers to local Churches has been a long-standing consideration within the Church, particularly since Vatican II.
Possibility of a Ministry of Listening
A proposal for a “listening ministry” has been mentioned but remains under discussion. Cardinal Bo emphasized that this Synod is unique because it is truly a process, and hopes that every bishop will consider holding a diocesan synod to continue the work started here.