
The Synod is an open, prayerful journey that invites the entire Church—bishops, clergy, religious, and lay people—to walk together with hope and trust. It creates space for every voice to be heard, encouraging honest sharing, deep listening, and genuine dialogue guided by the Holy Spirit. Through this process, the Church seeks to understand the joys and challenges people face today, strengthen our sense of community, and discern how we can better serve one another and the world. The Synod is, at its heart, an invitation to belong, to participate, and to help shape a more compassionate and spirit-filled future for the whole Church.
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Rooted in a long Christian tradition of gathering, listening, and discerning, the modern Synod of Bishops was formally established in 1965 by Pope Paul VI after the Second Vatican Council. He created it as a way for bishops from around the world to collaborate more closely with the Pope and with one another for the good of the Church. Over time, the Synod has grown and evolved—from periodic assemblies of bishops to a broader, more participatory process that welcomes the insights and experiences of the whole People of God. Its history reflects the Church’s ongoing desire to walk together in unity, wisdom, and renewed mission.


