His Holiness Pope Francis: The Synod Document is a gift to the People of God

This news was shared from the website of Vatican News.

His Holiness Pope Francis during the XVI General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality  (Vatican Media)

In his final address at the Synod Assembly, His holiness Pope Francis presents the Synod's Final Document as a "threefold gift."

By Linda Bordoni

Addressing the Synod Assembly on Saturday evening, His Holiness Pope Francis highlighted how the Final Document, written over the course of the 2nd Session of the Synod on Sinodality that began on 2 October following a process of listening and dialogue, is the fruit of over three years of listening to the People of God. It reveals, he noted, a shared path forward toward a "synodal Church" that embodies the Gospel not merely through words but through every act and interaction.

This XVIth Ordinary Assembly of the Synod will officially conclude on Sunday, 27 October, with the celebration of Holy Mass in St. Peter's Basilica presided over by Pope Francis.

A Threefold Gift

Pope Francis described the Document as a gift with multiple dimensions, serving as both guidance for the Church and as a symbol of unity and shared mission.

First, he emphasized his reliance on the bishops, underscoring the value of each bishop’s presence in shaping the synodal journey.

"For me, as Bishop of Rome, in convening the Church of God in Synod, I was aware that I needed all of you: Bishops and witnesses of the synodal journey. Thank you!" he exclaimed.

Recognizing his role as a listener, he reminded himself—and each bishop—that "the Bishop of Rome… also needs to practice listening, in order to be able to respond to the Word that each day says to him, ‘Affirm your brothers and sisters…Feed my sheep.’"

This act of listening, he said, is essential to cultivating harmony within the Church, a harmony envisioned by Saint Basil and the Second Vatican Council…

This news was originally published on the website of Vatican News.