By Wesley Omondi
VATICAN CITY, OCTOBER 29, 2024 (CISA) — The 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, commonly referred to as the Synod on Synodality, concluded on October 27, 2024, marking the end of a transformative three-year journey toward a more inclusive and responsive Church.
With the theme “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission,” this assembly focused on listening and dialogue across the global Church communities.
At the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality, , Pope Francis addressed the delegates of the Synod at the Paul VI Hall, reflecting on the outcomes of their three-year synodal journey. Emphasizing the need for unity, he praised the final document they produced, which encapsulates the spirit of a “synodal Church” built on the Holy Spirit’s guidance.
“With this Final Document, we have gathered the fruits of at least three years in which we have been listening to the People of God in order better to understand how to be a ‘synodal Church,’” said the Pope.
In his role as Bishop of Rome, Pope Francis recognized the importance of continual listening to foster harmony among the faithful. This, he suggested, is not only for him but for the entire Church, to remain attentive to God’s whispering voice. Drawing inspiration from Saint Basil, the Pope stressed the importance of nurturing harmony and upholding the vision of a Church that resembles a “sacrament,” embodying God’s inclusive love.
“The key word is harmony. That is what the Spirit does,” he noted.
“The first powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit was on the morning of Pentecost, harmonising all those different languages,” the Pope stated, urging the Church to remain open and accessible to all.
Reflecting on the poem by Madeleine Delbrêl, a French Catholic author, poet, and mystic, Pope Francis warned against rigidity within the Church, especially among clergy and consecrated persons. The Pope shared Delbrêl’s call for a Church that is flexible, warm, and not bogged down by rigidity. He further emphasized that the Church should avoid acting as “dispensers of grace” who might inadvertently obstruct God’s mercy.
“Everyone is invited in!” Rallied Pope Francis.
“It is harmful when women and men of the Church erect walls,” Pope Francis continued, advocating for an open Church that reaches all corners of society.
With global conflicts as a backdrop, Pope Francis highlighted the Church’s duty to witness peace, despite differences, by fostering reconciliation and dialogue. He indicated that the final document provides a roadmap for regional Churches to carry forward their mission with actions that reflect the Church’s commitment to synodality and unity.
“For this reason, I do not intend to publish an Apostolic Exhortation, what we have approved is sufficient,” he explained.
“We come from all parts of the world, some marked by violence, poverty, indifference,” he remarked, emphasizing that this shared journey represents a commitment to peace and unity.
Pope Francis closed his address by calling upon the Holy Spirit to sustain harmony among all members of the Church. In a final note of gratitude, he commended the contributions of Cardinals and staff who supported the synodal process. Quoting Delbrêl, he reminded those gathered that “there are places in which the Spirit breathes, but there is only one Spirit who breathes in all places.”
“May harmony continue even as we leave this hall, and may the Breath of the Risen One help us to share the gifts that we have received,” Pope Francis concluded.
