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OCTOBER SYNOD
ON THE FUTURE OF THE CHURCH
OCTOBER 4 TO 29
The Holy See Press Office presented the
numbers and detailed program of the next
General Assembly on the Synod on the future of the church,
to be held in Rome from October 4 to 29, 2023.
The full list of participants, which has been updated
and is still subject to change, includes
464 people, 365 of whom
– including 54 women, a historic first –
are eligible to vote.
The first day’s program includes a solemn opening Mass
with Pope Francis at 9 am,
and the first General Congregation in the afternoon.
At this event the General Secretary, Cardinal Mario Grech;
General Relator, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich
and Pope Francis will all speak.
Unlike the work that follows, this first day will be open to the public.
Synod members will then alternate between
sharing in small groups in the five official languages
(Italian, Spanish, English, Portuguese and French),
and the general congregations, from Monday to Saturday.
In all, there will be 14 meeting times for small groups
of around 10 people, and 21 general congregations
in Paul VI Audience Hall,
where the seating arrangement is designed
to facilitate listening and participating.
A number of public spiritual events are planned:
a pilgrimage (the location has not yet been announced) on October 12,
a prayer for migrants and refugees in St. Peter’s Square on October 19,
and a rosary in the Vatican Gardens on October 25.
Masses are also scheduled in St. Peter’s Basilica on
October 9, 13, 18 and 23.
The full text, finalized on October 27,
will be read on October 28
and presented by the 364 members entitled to vote.
The meeting will conclude with a closing mass
on October 29 at 10am in St Peter’s Basilica.
A second General Assembly is scheduled for October 2024.
Click below to see a working document created to guide discussion:
WORKING DOCUMENT TO GUIDE SYNOD
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