The Press Office of the Holy See presented on Thursday the details of the thirteenth day of the World Synod of Bishops in the Holy See. The press conference stated that during the day there was a broad debate on the issue of migration and the work of the Churches committed to pastoral care regarding human mobility was praised.
vatican city
Vatican City, Friday, October 18, 2024 (Rei, Vatican Radio): The Vatican Press Room presented on Thursday the thirteenth day of the World Synod of Bishops underway in the Vatican. The press conference stated that during the day a broad debate took place on the issue of migration and the work of the Churches committed to pastoral care regarding human mobility was praised.
During the morning session of the Synod the idea of a “Mediterranean Ecclesiastical Assembly” to hear the voices of immigrants was proposed. The day also focused on young people and people with disabilities and called for closer links between the Pontifical Offices and local ecclesial communities. It was said that on Friday Cardinal Hollerich and Grekh, Mr. Salazar and Bishop Flores will meet with university students to discuss the conference topics.
disability, interreligious dialogue
346 people were present at the Synod on the 13th. Special attention was paid to the role of Catholic parishes and the pastoral care of young people and people with different abilities. Dialogue between students of different religions and Catholic students studying in Catholic schools was also highlighted.
Rome and local churches
Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Vatican Dicastery for Communications, highlighted the essential role of religious societies, especially in places where people face basic needs and lack of education and other crises. He also highlighted the importance of strengthening relations between the world’s bishops and the Holy Father, leader of the universal Catholic Church.
promotion of brotherhood
General Superior of the Religious dedicated to Mary, Mother of Sorrows. Samuela María Rigón spoke about the synodal experience and highlighted the importance of promoting fraternity. He said about a quarter of those attending the synod were lay, youth and religious believers, all of whom had the opportunity to speak.
asian church
Cardinal Charles Bo, archbishop of Myanmar and president of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences, offered an overview of the synodal process in Asia. They discussed the growing participation of young people in digital evangelization, the creative initiatives of priests and the challenges presented to priests.
need for structural change
Cardinal Gerald Cyprian Lacroix of Quebec, Canada, stressed the need for the Church to “listen,” especially to those who differ. He said that the problems cannot be resolved with violence alone, structural changes are needed in the practice of the mission and in the deepening of media and spiritual life.
