The Synod on Synodality continues. From his hospital bed, Pope Francis approved a special ecclesial assembly for October 2028. In a letter to bishops worldwide, Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, revealed the plan to evaluate how Catholic communities around the world have implemented the recently concluded Synod on Synodality recommendations. 

Cardinal Grech also emphasized that this gathering will not constitute a new synod but rather serve as the culmination of a structured three-year implementation process. 

After the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality in 2024, Cardinal Grech told EWTN Vatican Bureau Chief Andreas Thonhauser in November 2024 that the synod will continue on. 

Thonhauser asked, “So the Synod has concluded. But there are still working groups, ongoing working groups that are…” 

“I'm not sure that it's concluded.” 

“You don’t believe it’s concluded! So, this could be my other question…” 

“We need also a moment to meet again and make an evaluation and share the gifts that the Holy Spirit is giving to the local churches for the benefit of the whole Church. So, it is not a Synod with a document that we can put on the shelf. It is something dynamic. That's why, I say, I ask, is it concluded? Because if it is dynamic, it goes on.” 

Following the conclusion of the synod in October 2024, Pope Francis approved the synod’s final document accepting it as Church teaching. 

In May, Cardinal Grech’s office will publish guidelines for the preparation towards the 2028 assembly. In October later this year there will be a special “Jubilee of Synodal Teams.” 

Throughout 2027, evaluation assemblies will take place at diocesan, national, and international levels, with continental gatherings scheduled for early 2028.  Grech highlighted the essential role of local “synodal teams” composed of “priests, deacons, consecrated men and women, and laypeople” working alongside their bishops. 

“The goal is to help Churches walk in a synodal style,” Grech wrote. 

Adapted by Jacob Stein 

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