Sr. Nathalie Becquart is the first woman to be appointed to the position of under-secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops. This also makes her the first woman allowed to vote at a Synod.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
Under-secretary, Synod of Bishops
“I want to start this new role with humility, listening, open to listen to all, not only those who are within the Church or part of the Church, but also beyond.”
Pope Paul VI set up the Synod in 1965 after the Second Vatican Council. Secretaries and under-secretaries had always been bishops, until now.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
Under-secretary, Synod of Bishops
“I believe it’s a very brave sign and a prophetic choice of Pope Francis that goes beyond the boundaries of the Church, because the Church is at the core of the world, interacting with the world.”
Sr. Nathalie sees her new role as a sign of concrete change in the mindset of the Church, especially regarding the relationship between men and women.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
Under-secretary, Synod of Bishops
“I hope that this appointment will contribute in the dioceses, the parishes and the movements, to open up new possibilities, to open up new doors, and to include more and more women in the reflection, discernment and decision-making processes.”
The General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops is a permanent body dedicated to preparing future assemblies based on proposals and opinions from people all over the world. Their next general assembly will take place in 2022 and will focus on synodality.
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