Today, Wednesday, Pope Francis opens the most explosive synod of bishops in the Vatican since these meetings began in the Vatican. And for which his church has been working since 2021. Shortly before that, he dismissed his critics. The emotion is guaranteed.
This Wednesday’s date falls into the category of events that are often accompanied by the phrase “highly anticipated”. The Synod of Bishops on the theme “For a synodal Church – community, participation and mission” will run until the end of October. Please don’t yawn! There is a lot of explosion hidden behind the incomprehensible to strange, at least harmless, title.
Only the composition of the 365 voting members at this meeting breaks with Catholic traditions. The Synod of Bishops is made up not just of bishops, but also of laypeople – including, it’s hard to believe, women. Even if only 27! Yes, yes, there are 27 other nuns. Which brings the proportion of female voters to a staggering (attention, irony) 15 percent.
A mini-advice
Basically, the event, which runs until the end of the month and is scheduled to conclude in October next year, deals with the future direction of the church. Who determines this course and how. The Pope alone with the Vatican Curia, as before, or with the involvement of all parts of the Church. Viewed this way, this initial church meeting in the large audience hall near St. Peter’s can be understood as a mini-council – and, if it works, as an example for future events in which important issues can be prepared for decision. Formally, the final decision will probably still rest with the Pope.
Speaking of the Pope: The day before the start, Francis had a rebuke of critics made public. Five ultra-conservative cardinals, with an average age of 86, asked questions of the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. Among other things, they sought information on whether the ordination of women to the priesthood and the blessing of homosexual partnerships will remain prohibited in the future.
“Classes for Cardinals”
The Pope did not respond with yes or no, but with longer, more fundamental theological statements. Francis is trying to allay the Cardinal Quintet’s concerns about a new interpretation of divine instructions. It points to the necessary interpretation of the Bible in the respective cultural and historical context. In doing so, he does not miss the opportunity to cite previous Church/Papal texts on the approval of slavery or on the role and nature of women as examples.
Stylistically, the pope’s response reads like a “dogmatic tutoring lesson” on the Second Vatican Council for cardinals, says Salzburg theologian Gregor Maria Hoffer. This Pope should not be trifled with.