The Synod is still a bishops' synod, or at least it is still the official name of this consultative body for the Vatican. However, its members now include women and lay people who, for the first time, have been able to vote in the assemblies.
With an eye on the next Synod, the ordinary council has been set up, this is body that will be responsible for preparing the Synod according to the Pope's intentions.
There are 17 members, four of whom are on the pontifical nomination, in other words the pope's choice. Until now, there were no non-bishops on this council, including no women.
This has just changed. Pope Francis has included in the list Sr. Simona Brambilla, secretary of the Dicastery for Consecrated Life; and Maria Lia Zervino from Argentina, a member of the Dicastery for Bishops.
The novelty pointed out by the Vatican is that pontifical appointments will no longer necessarily have to be bishops. The other two people chosen by Pope Francis are Jean-Claude Hollerich and the Archbishop of Turin, a newly created cardinal.
It remains to be seen who will be the next secretary general, the head of the next synod. Until now, the post has been held by Cardinal Mario Grech.
SR
