“Without proper formation on every level – whether in schools, seminaries, ongoing formation programs, adult formation for the laity, etcetera – there are going to be resistances and a lack of understanding.”

Pope Leo XIV said this in response to a question about resistance to the principle of synodality from those who argued that it could diminish the authority of bishops and clergy. The question came from the north-American representative at a gathering in Rome of those involved in the synodal process, to report back on the progress of synodality in all seven global regions.

The event marked the first collective moment of the implementation phase of the synodal process, aimed at translating the Final Document of the XVIth Synod on Synodality into action. The papal audience offered an occasion to recognize the work of these groupings and the people who serve in them, all aimed at building a more synodal global Church.

Pope Leo as a Bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, and then as the Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, was very involved in the Synod on Synodality. He listened to representatives of the seven continents.

In answer to a question from the representative for Oceania (Australia, New Zealand and neighbouring Pacific islands) the Pope stressed the importance of regional episcopal conferences in building a response to the crisis of climate change for low-lying islands especially.

Laudato Si’ Recalled

“I was at a meeting recently with a bishop from your region, who said that the issue of climate change is so urgent that, if current trends continue, his country will disappear in less than 50 years. Meanwhile, we often find ourselves enjoying the luxury of sitting in very comfortable spaces and reflecting on topics that may at times seem theoretical. But when we listen to the urgent cry of people in different parts of the world – whether due to poverty, injustice, climate change, or a number of other causes – we realize that we are not merely reflecting on theoretical matters but that an urgent response is needed.

“This is a concrete situation that I hope we all take very seriously. It echoes the call that Pope Francis issued to the whole Church and to the world ten years ago in Laudato Si’, reminding us that responding to the cry of the earth is part of our faith commitment. We cannot be passive.

To read the text of the presentations, and Pope Leo’s replies to the questions asked by each of the seven representatives, click here.

To listen to and watch the seven presentations – and Pope Leo’s replies, click here.