Church leaders prepare for 2027-28 synodal assemblies

The gathering, from June 23-25, brought together representatives of continental ecclesial organisations from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East and North America, accompanied by coordinators of the continental synodal teams.

The gathering comes as the Church continues the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality following the conclusion of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod in October 2024. That process, it noted, “will be marked by the ecclesial Assemblies of 2027–2028”.

Participants were meeting in light of the recent publication of Towards the Assemblies 2027-2028: Stages, criteria, and tools for Preparation, which is intended to guide the next stages of the synodal journey.

Before the gathering, the General Secretariat of the Synod said the three days of work would focus on listening to “the principal developments in the implementation of the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops”, while fostering the exchange of experiences from different regions of the world and identifying “common dynamics and issues requiring further shared reflection”.

Part of the programme was dedicated to accompanying local churches and regional groupings of churches as they continue to implement the synodal process. Particular attention was to be given to the role of communication in supporting that work.

The final day of discussions focused on the continental assemblies, described as “one stage in the broader journey of ecclesial assemblies that will culminate in the assembly of October 2028”.

Participants reflected on questions surrounding participation and representation, expected outcomes and the role of the General Secretariat in accompanying the process.

Pope Leo XIV was scheduled to meet the participants at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Synod on June 25.

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Church leaders gather in Rome to prepare for Synod Assemblies of 2027-2028 (Vatican News)