Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops. Photo: CNS Synod of Bishops publishes list of commission members
The Vatican released the names of members of two commissions charged with assisting the leaders of the Synod of Bishops’ general secretariat in reviewing documents, drafting resources and developing best practices.
According to the synod website, the theological commission and the methodology commission will include religious and lay experts from around the world.
The theme chosen by the Pope for the next synod is: “For a synodal church: communion, participation and mission.”
Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod of Bishops, told Vatican News in May that, although originally scheduled for 2022, the synod will take place in October 2023 to allow for broader consultation at the diocesan, national and regional level.
In revisions to the synod process announced in May, Pope Francis has asked that it begin with consultations with laypeople on the diocesan level before the discussion and discernment moved to a national level and then the 2023 synod assembly itself.
The theological commission, led by Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín, is comprised of 25 experts in theology, philosophy and canon law from around the world, including the United States, Italy, Spain, Burkina Faso, Syria, Tanzania and Mexico.
Pope ‘deeply saddened’ by Baghdad market bombing
Pope Francis expressed his condolences after a suicide bombing in a busy market in Baghdad claimed the lives of dozens of people.
In a telegram sent July 21 to Archbishop Mitja Leskovar, papal nuncio to Iraq, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, Vatican secretary of state, said the Pope was “deeply saddened to learn of the loss of life in the explosion at the al-Wuhailat market”.
The Pope “sends condolences to the families and friends of those who have died”, Cardinal Parolin said.
“Entrusting their souls to the mercy of almighty God, His Holiness renews his fervent prayers that no act of violence will diminish the efforts of those who strive to promote reconciliation and peace in Iraq,” he said.
According to the news network Al-Jazeera, an estimated 35 people died and dozens more were wounded after a suicide bomber detonated an explosive July 19 in the crowded market on the eve of the Eid al-Adha festival.
The Islamic State claimed responsibility for the attack in a message posted to the group’s Telegram channel, Al-Jazeera reported.
Vatican publishes schedule for papal trip to Hungary, Slovakia
Pope Francis’ September trip to Hungary and Slovakia features a jam-packed schedule that shows he has no intention of slowing down despite his recent recovery from colon surgery.
The Vatican July 21 released the Pope’s schedule for the trip September 12-15, including the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress in Budapest.
The Pope announced the trip July 4 to pilgrims gathered in St Peter’s Square for his Sunday Angelus address.
“From the bottom of my heart, I thank those who are preparing this journey, and I am praying for them,” he said. “Let us all pray for this journey and for the people who are working to organise it.”
Arriving in Hungary September 12, the Pope will meet with Hungarian President János Áder and Prime Minister Viktor Orbán before meeting with the country’s bishops and representatives of the Ecumenical Council of Churches and several Jewish communities.
After celebrating the closing Mass of the International Eucharistic Congress, the Pope will immediately depart for Bratislava, Slovakia, where he will participate at an ecumenical gathering at the apostolic nunciature before meeting privately with a group of Jesuit priests.