Relations between the local and world church were discussed at a press conference on October 18. And Cardinals Evelyn, Rueda Aparicio and Mulla addressed the importance of the Synod’s work in the context of a world “full of suffering.”
Vatican News
Decentralization is “healthy” when guided by sound principles. This idea was at the center of Friday’s briefing on the work of the Synod, which included discussions on Thursday at the second knock and on Friday morning (October 18).
Dr. Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Department of Communications and President of the Information Commission of the Synod, opened the briefing. Subsequently, the Secretary of the Commission, Sheila Pires, presented the report.
Redefining the concept of territory
The debate of the last few days focused on part 3 of the Instrumentum Laboris, dedicated to “places”.
Dr. Ruffini highlighted that many of the interventions underlined the importance of local churches, stating that they “do not harm, but rather strengthen unity,” because the “uniqueness of each” is not a threat but “a special blessing.”
An example of this is the Catholic Churches of the East, whose traditions must be preserved as “a treasure of the entire universal Catholic Church” and, therefore, “an integral and indispensable part of it.”
For this reason, many pointed out the need to guarantee not only the “survival” but also the “reactivation of the Eastern Catholic Churches, both in their areas of origin and in the diaspora.”
Some have argued that “the understanding of unity has not been accurate throughout history” and that the Latin church has at times “unfairly treated the Eastern ‘sui iuris’ (independent churches), treating their theology as secondary.” “. Today, however, one of the challenges is “to redefine the concept of territory,” which “is not just a physical space.” Due to the diaspora, “Eastern Catholics live in areas where Latin customs predominate.”
decentralization
Regarding the widely discussed issue of “sister churches” celebrating Easter on the same day, Ruffini said an agreement has been reached to do so next year.
However, the Assembly asked for “a message from the entire Synod for a permanent common date.”
From Rome to remote areas, decentralization was a frequent topic of discussion in Synod sessions, attracting the curiosity of journalists in several briefings.
Pires reported that the criteria to define “healthy decentralization” were analyzed, including “closeness and ritualism”, that is, ritualization.
It was also valued that small base communities had a “privileged place in the synodally organized church.”
For these communities, it was noted that the digital environment is of great importance, as it can help them stay connected “not only virtually but also regionally.”
walking together with the laity
Pires stressed that many of the interventions encouraged “not to be afraid of synodality, because it does not undermine the differentiation of the various specialties and apostolates or places.”
There was a call to further develop the theme of the parish, where “administrative tasks stifle missionary zeal, so we must think creatively.”
In particular, “it is necessary to listen to the cry of those who suffer, because the union of the local Church” is also reflected in “the realities of times of suffering.”
To fight the good fight of faith in societies inclined toward worldliness, “unite with the laity,” as Saint Paul advised, reminding us that “a healthy decentralization of the Church is a means of co-responsibility among the people of God. Always within the framework of unity, “fidelity to doctrine, ecclesial communion with the Successor of Peter, respect for local Churches, subsidiarity and the spirit of union.”
The gospel must “involve all cultures and everywhere, inhabiting and strengthening the community dimension of movements and new ecclesial realities.”
Pires noted that a highly praised intervention emphasized the call for “unity in diversity” of the Church, describing it as a “living organ with the heart of Christ, and that lives as one body through the existence of its people.” .
Welcome women and young people
On the topic of women deacons, some interventions emphasized that “the Church should not be an ‘exclusive men’s affair’” and that even if women participate in decision-making processes, this is not enough.
If young people say “they are spiritual but not religious,” then this should motivate the church to “be missionaries also in the digital space” where young men and women spend their time and interact.
Finally, Dr. Ruffini announced that on Friday, in addition to the working group meetings, there will be a session of the Ecclesiastical Law Commission and another session of SECAM, a seminar of the episcopal conferences of Africa and Madagascar, called Theological Discernment -apostolic on polygamy The work has been assigned.
Next week the discussion on the draft of the final document will be decisive, which, as Cardinal Mario Grec said, must be carried out in an atmosphere of intense prayer.
That is why Dr. Ruffini said: “Monday’s session will begin at 8:30 a.m. with the celebration of the Mass with the Invocation of the Holy Spirit at the Throne Altar of St. Peter’s Basilica.
Challenges in the Mediterranean
From the Mediterranean to Africa and Latin America, geographically distant regions are united by common challenges and a shared desire to solve them.
This was the common thread that united the interventions and the subsequent questions asked of the participants in the debriefing session.
Cardinal Jo-Marc Avelin of Marseille, France, was the first speaker. He highlighted his role in coordinating the efforts of the Church in the Mediterranean region, a mission entrusted by Pope Francis.
The cardinal highlighted the timeline of his commitment, which began with almost forty bishops in 2020 and continued with several congregations until the September 2023 conclave, when Pope Francis had expressed his desire to “continue, coordinate and support this work.”
The focus is mainly on listening to the difficulties of the different ecclesial communities. Cardinal Evelyn said: “The Mediterranean is not only a subject of study, but an area where dangerous scenarios develop: war, violations of freedoms, corruption,” without mentioning migration, for which specific support networks have been created.
Recalling his proposal for a possible synod dedicated to the Mediterranean, the cardinal stressed:
“We must understand how the Church can contribute to justice and peace efforts in the region,”
Pains and hopes in Latin America
Next, Cardinal Luis José Rueda Aparicio of Bogotá, Colombia, spoke about experiences of faith in his country and in Latin America, a “young continent” that has “both suffering and hope.”
The local church strives to develop a “spirituality close to the poor”, poverty being a problem that has increased not only due to migration to North America but also due to problems related to drug trafficking.
In this challenging context, “the Church has unitedly sought ways to approach reality and has tried to look at it with eyes of faith and hope.” According to the cardinal, the result is a solid “state presence”, which aims to achieve a “unified evangelization” throughout the continent.
conflict in south sudan
Cardinal Stephen Ameu Martin Mulla, archbishop of Juba, South Sudan, spoke about the challenges facing his country and neighboring Sudan.
He said the people of South Sudan fought a war in pursuit of independence, but they are still far from peace and plagued with many unresolved problems.
The peace agreements signed in South Sudan are still only partially implemented; This issue was also discussed with a high-level delegation at a historic meeting with Pope Francis in 2018.
However, little has changed since then, even after the Pope’s visit to the African country.
For this reason, the Archbishop said, he believes that synodal dialogue can address the social and political problems we face.
Another problem affecting the nation is global warming. Cardinal Mulla cited the city of Bentiu, which is now completely submerged due to heavy rains in South Sudan.
According to the Archbishop of Juba, in an increasingly interconnected world, no one can say that such problems do not concern them.
enthusiasm for the religious meeting
Finally, Bishop Luis Marín Di of San Martín, Augustinian and vice-secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod and member of the Information Commission, reflected on the challenges facing the world, as highlighted in previous interventions.
He explained how the Synod reinforces an open Church with clear language capable of addressing today’s problems and answering questions.
The bishop identified four fundamental pillars on which the Church must be supported: it must be Christ-centered, fraternal, inclusive (“Those who see power struggles within the Synodal Assembly are mistaken; that does not exist,” said the bishop) and dynamic.
“I wish we could share our enthusiasm in a world full of crises.”
Meanwhile, the Synod discussions have revolved around several contradictions: the Synod and listening to the signs of the times, unity and diversity, center and periphery. The Vice Secretary’s final call was to not let ourselves be discouraged by “the pessimism that sometimes overwhelms us.”
immediate response
As usual, during the press conference space was left for questions from journalists. Addressing the implementation of the concept of “unity in diversity,” Cardinal Rueda Aparicio noted that this concept is already reflected in the “new and transformative synodal style,” where the presence of synodal women represents the greatest “innovation and progress.” There is a clear sign.
In response to those who demand immediate answers from the Synod, Bishop Marín compared it to Christianity: “It is an experience of Christ, if we do not live it, we will never fully understand it.”
However, the bishop stressed that the entire synodal process must not remain abstract, but “must be rooted in reality.” In this context, parishes remain important as “primary communities.”
final document
Participants were also asked about discussions related to the role and authority of the bishop. “This has been widely discussed,” the Colombian cardinal acknowledged, citing St. John XXIII’s belief that the deposit of faith “always remains the same,” but “has to be adapted to each necessary situation.”
Archbishop Bogotá also highlighted the problems facing the country, including “toxic polarization” that has caused like-minded communities to become “enemies” of each other.
Cardinal Evelyn gave some ideas on the wording of the final document of the synod. He said the goal of his “synthesis commission” is “to ensure that the document proposed for voting does not stray too far from the opinions expressed during these weeks of work.”
