REDISCOVERING SYNODALITY IN THE CHURCH: POPE FRANCIS’ INVITATION AND COMMITMENT

Abstract

The ecclesial synodality that Pope Francis has invited to rediscover and is committed to make of it a pastoral practice is not newness. The Church was synodal from its very first steps, when two disciples and Jesus Risen walked from Jerusalem to Emmaus and back to Jerusalem after recognizing his presence when he broke the bread (Lc 24,13-36). And kept on being synodal through the many synods and councils that mark its history, but it was episcopal synodality or, more properly, bishops’ collegiality. The newness of Pope Francis’ synodality is the Church vision in which it is rooted – Second Vatican Council ecclesiology – and where not only the hierarchy members but also all members of the People of God, by their Baptism, participate and are altogether responsible for the life and mission of the Church.

KEYWORDS: Ecclesiology. Synodality. Conversion. Pope Francis.