The synod on the future of the Catholic Church is at the origin of a small revolution within the institution. Indeed, for the first time, Pope Francis opened the debates to consultation with the faithful and included lay people and women in the assembly. This unprecedented approach, however, arouses reluctance among conservatives, who fear a dilution of their prerogatives and a calling into question of Catholic doctrine.
The synod, which opens in Rome this week, aims to discuss the main directions of the Church in the face of the vocations crisis and the decline in the number of faithful in the West. But beyond these issues, it is the very form of the synod which is revolutionary. For the first time, Catholics were invited to express themselves on the vision of the Church and social issues for two years. This grassroots consultation is an initiative of Pope Francis, who wants a Church that is more open and close to the realities of the faithful.
As for the participants in the synod, their profile is also new. Of the 464 participants, 96 are not bishops and 54 are women. These figures mark a real turning point in the Catholic Church, where bishops traditionally have a monopoly on decisions. The presence of women and lay people is seen as a disruption of customs, calling into question the male monopoly of governance of the Church.
However, this opening of the synod to lay people and women is not unanimous. Conservatives, attached to a more traditional vision of the Church, are worried about this development and fear a dilution of clerical prerogatives. Some cardinals have also publicly asked Pope Francis to reaffirm Catholic doctrine on the subject of gay couples and the ordination of women. They highlight the need to preserve the unity and stability of the Church in the face of these changes.
Despite these tensions, the synod constitutes an important step towards a more open and inclusive Church. Pope Francis’ desire to give voice to the faithful and to include women and lay people in decision-making bodies testifies to his desire to renew the institution. However, it is important to emphasize that the decision-making process remains in the hands of the clerics, thus limiting the scope of this “revolution” within the Catholic Church.
In conclusion, the synod on the future of the Catholic Church marks a turning point in the history of this thousand-year-old institution. Open to lay people and women, it testifies to Pope Francis’ desire to give a voice to all members of the Church. However, this openness arouses resistance, reflecting divisions within the institution. It remains to be seen what the conclusions of this synod will be and what the repercussions will be on the Catholic Church in the years to come.