Pope Francis has convened a synod in October in which hundreds of bishops will exchange ideas on the Church and young people.
In preparation, the Vatican has presented an ambitious encounter scheduled for March. The pope wants the Church to listen to the voice of the youth and, thus, will join 300 of them from around the world, whether Catholic or not. They will be in Rome from March 19 to 24 and will answer 15 questions to prepare the bishops' working document.
CARD. LORENZO BALDISSERI
General Secretary, Synod of Bishops
“In this meeting, issues will come up, suggestions that we will put on a list. Their priorities, their true interests will be seen.”
The encounter will address issues such as emotional relations, religion's place in their lives, definitive life decision-making and how to grow as a person.
FILIPPO PASSANTINO
Italy
“Our hope is that the Synod addresses issues that concern us and produces solutions.”
MARILLENE NISHIMWE
Burundi
“We want to speak and be heard. That's already something – for someone to listen to what's inside your heart. If, in addition, that person walks with you, maybe we can find answers.”
As only 300 young people will come to Rome, and the Vatican seeks a larger sample, the rest of the youth who want to participate can register themselves for a “pre-synod virtual meeting.” It will take place simultaneously with the encounter in Rome via Facebook groups discussing the 15 questions that will be debated in the Vatican.
Their ideas will be included in the final document presented to the pope, key for the October synod on “Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment.” The 15 questions can already be found on the synod's website, but young people will be able to respond beginning on March 12.
