His Holiness Pope Francis Calls for Humble and Synodal church, Led by the Holy Spirit

His Holiness Pope Francis, at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, emphasises the need for a humble and synodal Church guided by the Holy Spirit to fulfill its mission of peace and forgiveness in the world.

By Vatican News

In his address at the opening of the second session of the 16th Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, His Holiness Pope Francis reflected on the journey of the Church since the Synod's inception in 2021. 

A constant journey

He began by reminding the participants that the Church is constantly on a journey, one that mirrors the mission God has set before His people since the time of the apostles, stressing that the mission of the Church is to bring peace through the proclamation of Jesus Christ.

Reflecting on the role of the Holy Spirit, the Pope recalled that "the Holy Spirit bends the stubborn heart and will, melts the frozen, warms the chill, and guides the steps that go astray." He emphasised that the Spirit is ever-present, especially in moments of sorrow and despair when humanity is faced with the temptations of hopelessness and division. “The Holy Spirit wipes away our tears and comforts us because he communicates God’s gift of hope," the Holy Father added.

Pope Francis then went on to speak of the humility required to recognise our own need for forgiveness. He referenced the Penitential Vigil that took place Tuesday night, where those gathered experienced the grace of reconciliation. "We put aside our pride and presumption, imagining that we are better than others. Have we in fact become more humble?" he asked…

This report was originally publsihed on the website of Vatican News. Please click here to read the full text.