During the fourth session, the cardinals reflect on the need to offer the clergy an image of the priesthood that is “beautiful, creative, evangelical, and at the same time not clerical.” They also discuss the risk that the complexity of consultation processes could weigh down the Church precisely at a time when it is called to bear witness to the world.
Vatican News
The first part of the fourth session of the Extraordinary Consistory began on Saturday afternoon at 4 p.m. Some of the themes that emerged included deepening the ascetical and historical dimensions of synodality, while offering the faithful an image of the priesthood that is both evangelical and non-clerical. A press release from the Holy See Press Office reported that the work took place in the Aula del Sinodo (New Synod Hall), and was moderated by Cardinal Joseph William Tobin.
Not “weighing down” the Church
After the introductory report by Cardinal Mario Grech, several cardinals took the floor.
According to the Press Office, the cardinals addressed the risk that “the complexity of consultation could weigh down the Church at a time when it is called to give its witness.” At the same time, it was reaffirmed that both the hierarchical Church and the People of God participate, though in different ways, in “the discernment of what the Spirit is saying to the Church.”
The cardinals also highlighted the contribution of Eastern Catholic communities, whose synodal experience represents a significant contribution to the journey involving the entire Church.
The first part of the session ended at 5 p.m. After a break, the program foresees a dialogue with Pope Leo XIV, with participants free to speak for up to three minutes each.
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