The Role of the Synod of Bishops # 7

In the words of Pope Francis, the Synod of Bishops is a body that, “manifests the solicitude of the College of Bishops for the needs of the People of God and for communion among the Churches.”  The Synod is a means of gathering information on a particular theme from local Churches.  The Synodal Assembly has a “consultative role, offering information and counsel to the Roman Pontiff on various ecclesial questions, under the guidance of the Holy Spirit.”  (Pope Francis using the words of Pope St. Paul VI). The Synodal Process, then, is to be a suitable instrument to give voice to the entire People of God.