Church leaders gather in Rome to prepare for Synod Assemblies of 2027-2028

Image: Vatican Media

Source: Vatican Media

The heads of the Church's continental bodies have gathered in Rome this week for three days of meetings dedicated to the next phase of the Synod on Synodality, according to a press release issued by the General Secretariat of the Synod on Monday.

The meeting, taking place on June 23-25, brings together representatives of continental ecclesial organizations from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and North America, accompanied by coordinators of the continental synodal teams.

According to their press release, the gathering comes as the Church continues the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality following the conclusion of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod in October 2024. That process, it notes, "will be marked by the ecclesial Assemblies of 2027-2028."

Participants are meeting in light of the recent publication of Towards the Assemblies 2027-2028: Stages, criteria, and tools for Preparation, which is intended to guide the next stages of the synodal journey.

The General Secretariat said the three days of work would focus on listening to "the principal developments in the implementation of the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops," while fostering the exchange of experiences from different regions of the world and identifying "common dynamics and issues requiring further shared reflection."

Part of the programme is dedicated to accompanying local Churches and regional groupings of Churches as they continue to implement the synodal process. Particular attention will also be given to the role of communication in supporting that work.

The final day of discussions will focus on the continental Assemblies, described in the press release as "one stage in the broader journey of ecclesial assemblies that will culminate in the Assembly of October 2028".

Participants will reflect on questions surrounding participation and representation, expected outcomes, and the role of the General Secretariat in accompanying the process.

The gathering will conclude on Thursday evening. Before its conclusion, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet the participants at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Synod.

The Holy Father will engage in dialogue with those taking part in the meeting during the afternoon of June 25.