Two bishops from mainland China will be present at the Synod on Synodality in Rome.
They will be among the more than 460 participants who will take part in the assembly from October 4 to 29. But it has not yet been confirmed if they will stay for the entire time, as was the case in the synod of 2018.
Their participation 5 years ago was historic. Even Pope Francis was moved during the opening Mass.
POPE FRANCIS
Today, for the first time, we have also with us two bishops from Mainland China. We offer them our warm welcome: the communion of the entire Episcopate, with the Successor of Peter, is yet more visible thanks to their presence.
Synod organizers confirmed that, excluding the Pope, 364 members will have the right to vote, including 54 women.
The four week event will also bring special guests from around the world. For example, a representative of an association committed to helping migrants and refugees will also attend.
This is Luca Casarini, who exchanged letters with Pope Francis in 2020. In them, he had expressed his concern about the situation of refugees in Libya after the closure of European ports due to the pandemic.
LUCA CASARINI
Mediterranea Saving Humans
To those who escape torture, rape, slavery and brutality of all kinds in Libya, we say: no, you cannot enter because you might get infected. Therefore, either you drown or you return, to be tortured, raped or killed.
At the end of the synod, there will be concluding remarks. But it will not be until 2024 for the publication of the conclusions that the participants will propose to Pope Francis.
The consistory for the creation of cardinals will take place a few days before the opening of the Synod and it will be an important occasion for members of the clergy to exchange opinions over several weeks. Synod organizers hope that this event will help to promote unity and a more welcoming spirit in the Church.
JRB
TR: KG
