Leo XIV: "Synodal Church Must Renews Herself - Necessary Changes"
He admitted that his guidelines for the Church "correspond to the perspectives that emerged during the synodal journey of the Church in Italy". However, the Italian Synod accepted homosexuality and female deacons in October.
Pope Leo XIV commented: "It is now up to you, bishops, to outline the pastoral guidelines for the coming years." He hopes that a "synodal spirit" will develop.
At the same time, he announced the merger of Italian dioceses.
For Leo XIV, synodality requires communion among the bishops and the Pope, as well as "attentive listening and serious discernment of the requests that come from the people of God" [=media].
He wants to promote the greater participation of the people in the consultation process for the appointment of new bishops.
Furthermore: "A synodal Church [...] needs to renew itself continually. We must avoid allowing inertia, even when motivated by good intentions, to slow down the necessary changes."
He recommended that bishops cultivate the inner attitude that Pope Francis has defined as "learning to say goodbye", which Leo XIV described as a valuable attitude when preparing to leave one's position.
Bishops should retire at 75 years of age, though for Cardinals, continuation of ministry may be considered for a further two years.
Picture: Vatican Media, #newsZyxlyhwyrl