Synodality is not democracy
As the Catholic Church embarks on the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis took the opportunity to address key issues during his visit to Asia and Oceania in September.
Oct 04, 2024
VATICAN: As the Catholic Church embarks on the second session of the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis took the opportunity to address key issues during his visit to Asia and Oceania in September. On his first day in Singapore, September 11, the Pope engaged with Jesuit clergy, offering insights into the Church’s future, particularly in light of the ongoing synodal process in Rome from October 2 to 27.
During a private conversation with his fellow Jesuits, one priest asked Pope Francis about his vision for the Church in the context of synodality — a theme that has taken centre stage in his papacy.
“The synod we are conducting is on synodality,” the Pope emphasised. He reflected on the origins of the Synod of Bishops, tracing it back to St Paul VI’s initiative after the Second Vatican Council. According to Pope Francis, St Paul VI founded the Secretariat for the Synod of Bishops to restore a “synodal dimension of dialogue” in the Western Church, which had been somewhat lost over time, in contrast to the Eastern Church that maintained it.
“In 2001, I was at the Synod of Bishops. I remember being tasked with collecting and arranging material. However, at that time, synodality was still misunderstood,” the Pope recalled, explaining how certain decisions were dismissed without proper discussion or voting, undermining the synodal process.
Pope Francis pointed to a key development in the current synod, namely the inclusion of voting rights for laypeople and, for the first time, women. “This is the first time women can vote in a synod. This shows a development in how we live out synodality,” he said, describing the process as “a grace from the Lord” and a necessity for all levels of the Church — from the global Church to local parishes and educational institutions.
The Pope was clear in distinguishing synodality from democracy. “Synodality is a value of the Church, but it is not democracy. It is a grace that requires discernment,” he noted, stressing that the synod is meant to foster collective discernment rather than political debate.
While synodality was a key theme, Pope Francis also touched on other pressing issues during his Sept 4 meeting with Indonesian Jesuits in Jakarta. Though not addressing synodality directly, the Pope highlighted concerns that resonate deeply with Catholics, especially in developing countries — such as the ongoing persecution of Christians.
The Pope urged Jesuits to embrace their calling to serve in the most difficult and challenging places. “Jesuits must be in the most difficult places, where it is least easy to act. It is our way of ‘going above and beyond’ for the greater glory of God,” he said. Referring to the Gospel, he encouraged them to “make a noise,” a concept he linked to the Holy Spirit’s guidance, which often leads to “uproar.”
Pope Francis addressed clericalism during his Sept 10 meeting with Jesuits in East Timor, warning that it remains a persistent issue within the Church. Clericalism, he said, “is everywhere,” especially in the Vatican, where efforts to dismantle it are ongoing. He described it as “one of the subtlest means the devil uses.”
Pope Francis elaborated on clericalism, calling it “the highest form of worldliness within the clergy.” He drew attention to St Ignatius of Loyola’s teachings on the dangers of worldliness, which the Pope believes are particularly perilous for clergy serving on the frontlines. “Spiritual worldliness is the most difficult disease to overcome,” he added.
The Pope also spoke candidly about the challenge the Church faces in remaining connected to the faithful. “The challenge of the Church is always not to move away from the people of God,” he said, advising Jesuits to steer clear of “ecclesial ideologies” that could distance them from the people they are called to serve.
As the Church embarks on the Synod on Synodality, Pope Francis’ words during his visit to Asia are likely to resonate with participants. His call to resist clericalism, maintain close ties with the people, and embrace synodality as a grace will undoubtedly influence the discussions in October, shaping the future of the Church in profound ways.
In the lead-up to this important gathering, Pope Francis has left clergy and laity alike with a clear message - the Church’s path forward lies in discerning together, walking with the faithful, and resisting the temptations of worldliness that can lead it astray. --Crux Now
Total Comments:0