Pope Leo XIV reaffirms Synodal spirit during meeting with Synod Council members

Underscoring his commitment to fostering a more participatory and listening Church, Pope Leo XIV met with the members of the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod on Thursday afternoon at their headquarters along Via della Conciliazione.

As president of the Ordinary Council, the Holy Father presided over the session, offering words of encouragement and reflection while engaging directly with council members. The gathering unfolded in an atmosphere of fraternity, open dialogue, and shared dedication to the Church’s ongoing synodal journey.

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, welcomed the pope and introduced the session. 

In his address, Leo XIV drew inspiration from the legacy of Pope Francis and Saint Paul VI, reaffirming that synodality is not merely a structural mechanism but a defining style and attitude of the Church.

“Synodality is a style, an attitude that helps us to be Church, fostering authentic experiences of participation and communion,” Leo said, inviting the council to deepen their practice of openness, attentive listening, and collective discernment.

The pope listened closely as council members shared updates on the progress of the synodal process at the local and continental levels. Discussions also covered reflections on diocesan consultations and ongoing developments in planning for future synod assemblies.

Before the session ended, Leo engaged in dialogue with the members, responding to questions and offering further reflections. The meeting concluded with a moment of prayer, emphasizing the spiritual foundation at the heart of the synodal process.

Participants expressed their gratitude for the pope’s presence and his ongoing encouragement to build a more synodal Church rooted in participation, communion, and mission.

A detailed summary of the Ordinary Council’s discussions and conclusions will be released on June 30.