Vatican: Historic Synod Underway

Facts

• Regulations on rules of engagement at the Vatican's '16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops' have reportedly been published, which contain key guidelines for confidentiality protocols as the historic meetings of the Catholic Church are underway.¹
• On Wednesday, Pope Francis opened a weekslong debate to discuss the future of the Catholic Church amid a host of contentious issues, including married and women priests, same-sex unions, and global warming.²
• Presiding over a solemn Mass in St. Peter's Square to inaugurate the three-week, closed-door global gathering of hundreds of clergies and bishops, Francis said this week that the Catholic Church must be rebuilt to become a place of welcome for, 'Everyone, everyone, everyone.'³
• For the first time, the pontiff has allowed women and laypeople to vote alongside the 365 voting members in any final document, which may include measures to prevent abuses of power by church leaders.⁴
• The pope criticized the world's decision-making bodies for failing to take bold steps as well as the climate deniers for allegedly concealing the issue, warning that the planet is 'collapsing' due to climate change and 'may be nearing the breaking point.'⁵
• Previously, Francis had suggested the Catholic Church could bless same-sex marriages, stating, 'We can't be judges who only deny, reject and exclude.' He added any request for a blessing should be treated with 'pastoral charity.'⁶

Sources: ¹Catholic news agency, ²Wall Street Journal, ³Associated Press, ⁴Voa, ⁵New York Times and ⁶BBC News.

Narratives

• Progressive narrative, as provided by Huffington post. Even while facing criticism, Pope Francis has stood firm in his progressive agenda and belief that the Catholic Church should be welcoming and affirming to people from all walks of life. The Church's conservative faction has grown in numbers and has moved into the dangerous territory of confusing faith with ideology. Historic ground may now be broken including on climate change and LGBTQ+ issues.
• Conservative narrative, as provided by Vox. Pope Francis's reign over the Catholic Church is both unconventional and an insult to tradition. Unlike his predecessor — the late Pope Benedict, who was a man of tradition and church doctrine — Francis doesn't value what has made the Catholic Church home to generations of devout followers. By liberalizing the Church, even if in good faith, the pontiff is destabilizing the institution and preparing the Church for its downfall.

Predictions