The Synod’s synthesis report is approved.

Dear sisters and brothers in Christ,
Tonight, at 9 pm, the Synod’s synthesis report was approved. My feeling is one of deep peace because I am satisfied that the Holy Spirit is at work. Yes, important and delicate questions remain but if the Church can genuinely be open to the Spirit I sincerely believe that all will be well.

The report accurately reflects the Synod’s experience during the past month: where there has been agreement, where there have been divergences, where progress has been made, suggestions for further reflection and proposed actions. Please remember that this was only the Synod’s First Session while the Second Session will be held in October 2024. Therefore the report which we approved tonight is a transitory document. It is important to recognise that the text doesn’t have definitive answers precisely because we have one more year for prayer, sharing and deeper discernment. However, next October’s Synod will present concrete proposals to the Pope for his consideration.

The report was written in Italian and subsequently translated into English, Spanish, French and Portuguese. It will take a little bit of time to polish these translations and then the text will be freely available for you to read. I don’t know exactly when that will be but it shouldn’t be too long.

The Closing Mass will be celebrated by Pope Francis tomorrow in St Peter Basilica at 9am (UK time). Thank you for your prayers and encouragement over the past month. They have been very much appreciated.
+Brian