By Lisa Zengarini
“Christian joy is never exclusive, but always inclusive—it is for everyone.” Pope Francis offered that reminder in a message he addressed on Tuesday to participants in the Second Synodal Assembly of the Churches in Italy, gathered in the Vatican from Mar 31 to Apr 3.
Four years of listening and discernment
The session marks the final “prophetic” phase of the Italian Church’s Synodal Path launched in 2021 to redefine its mission in Italy in a spirit of shared responsibility and discernment, reflecting Pope Francis’ vision of a synodal Church.
The theme of joy is at the heart of the discussions in which over one thousand bishops, and diocesan delegates from across Italy , will vote the Propositions presenting ideas and proposals that have emerged during these four years of listening and discernment.
