World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod on Synodality to be Held in Rome

The World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod on Synodality will be held from April 29 to May 2, 2023, in Sacrofano, Rome. The meeting, organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod and various Vatican dicasteries, aims to listen to and enhance the synodal experience of parish priests in their respective parishes and dioceses, as well as enable dialogue and the exchange of experiences and ideas.

Approximately 200 parish priests from bishops' conferences and Eastern Catholic Churches will participate, selected based on their experience with the synodal Church perspective and a variety of pastoral contexts. The meeting will provide materials to be used in drafting the Instrumentum Laboris (working document) for the second session of the Synod of Bishops, which will be held in October 2023.

The meeting is a response to the recommendations of the participants in the first session of the Synod of Synodality held in October 2023, who suggested listening more to the voice of the parish priests. It will feature reflections on various aspects of synodality by bishops, theologians, and a sociologist.

Why this matters: The World Meeting of Parish Priests for the Synod on Synodality represents a significant step in the global consultation process initiated by Pope Francis to gather input from the faithful on the future direction of the Catholic Church. The meeting's focus on the synodal experience of parish priests highlights the importance of their role in the Church's mission and the need for their active participation in the synodal process.

On the last day of the gathering, May 2, the parish priests will meet with Pope Francis at the Vatican, and the meeting will end with a Mass in St. Peter's Basilica. The event is part of the preparation for the Synod on Synodality, a global consultation process aimed at promoting a more inclusive and participatory Church.

Key Takeaways

• World Meeting of Parish Priests for Synod on Synodality, April 29-May 2, 2023, Rome
• 200 parish priests from bishops' conferences and Eastern Catholic Churches to participate
• Meeting aims to listen to and enhance synodal experience of parish priests
• Provide materials for Instrumentum Laboris for second session of Synod of Bishops
• Parish priests to meet with Pope Francis on May 2, end with Mass in St. Peter's