This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I devote the entire episode to the Amazon synod, which just entered its final week. First, we discuss some of the ideas that have been brought up in the synod hall, including the establishment of an Amazonian rite, a permanent human rights observatory in the region and Catholic university education for indigenous people. After taking a look at what has been discussed, we break down what will happen between now and the release of the synod’s final document this weekend.

Then, we take you outside the synod hall and into two extra-synodal meetings: one with indigenous leaders speaking about the challenges they face, and another with bishops and synod auditors in a catacomb outside Rome. We unpack the famous 1965 Pact of the Catacombs and this updated version that was signed this weekend amid resistance to the synod, and we look at what these documents teach us about the evolution of the Latin American church since the Second Vatican Council.

Links from the show:

• The Amazon synod is halfway over. Here’s what we know so far.
• Synod groups propose an Amazonian rite and new ministries for women
• Amazon Synod is a place of discernment that ‘must leave space for the Spirit’
• Thieves steal wood carvings used at synod prayer and throw them in the river
• Synod members sign new pact in the Catacombs of Domitilla, pledge simplicity

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