During his Angelus on January 15, Pope Francis announced an ecumencial prayer vigil on September 30 to prepare for the next phase in the Church's synodal process.
POPE FRANCIS
Therefore, I take this opportunity to announce that Saturday, September 30, there will be an Ecumenical Prayer Vigil in St. Peter's Square, where we will entrust the work of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to God.
The Holy See Press Office held a press conference to discuss the Vigil, which leads up to the next phase of the Synod.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich explained why the Vigil is important as it highlights a central theme in Pope Francis' pontificate, that is the ecumenical aspect of the synodal process.
CARD. JEAN-CLAUDE HOLLERICH
General Speaker, Synod of Bishops
There is in fact no complete synodality without unity among the Christians.
We cannot advance, go forward, as the Catholic Church, without looking to our sisters and brothers of other Christian faith. We have to go together.
Pope Francis will preside over the Prayer Vigil and has encouraged young people from around the world to attend. It will be led by the Taizè community, an ecumenical fraternity that leads groups of meditations and prayer for young people.
BR. ALOIS
Prior, Taizè Community
Open to all, not only young people, but to all, the whole people of God. This common prayer will include listening to the Word of God, praise and intercession, Taizè songs and silence.
We hope that this vigil will be a sign of fellowship, unity and peace.
Following the Prayer Vigil on September 30, the bishops will make a 3 day retreat in preparation for the next phase of the synod.
KG
