Zac, Ashley and Sebastian are back in Rome to cover the second and final session of the Synod on Synodality, and who better to talk to about what to expect this month than Gerard O’Connell? America’s Vatican correspondent and co-host of the “Inside the Vatican” podcast, Gerry has covered every synod since 1985. Last year, the Jesuitical team spoke to Gerry about his career and why he considers this synod to be the most significant event in the life of the church since Vatican II. (Listen here!)

This year, Zac, Ashley and Sebastian bring their burning questions (and maybe a little synod skepticism) to Gerry for answers and analysis. They ask: 

- Was it a mistake to relegate some of the “hot button” issues from last year’s synod to outside study groups?

- If most of the “hot button” issues are off the table, what are synod delegates going to discuss this year?  

- What does it mean for the synod to “work”?

The team also gives a rundown of what’s happened at the synod so far: a two-day retreat for delegates, an unusual penitential service and the opening Mass, celebrated by Pope Francis. 

Our Synod content is brought to you in part by the Jesuit School of Theology of Santa Clara University.

Links from the show:

From 2023: Everything you need to know about the Synod on Synodality

Women deacons, LGBT issues not on the agenda for October’s synod meeting

Vatican releases working document to guide October synod meeting

Father Radcliffe tells synod members: Don’t be driven by fear of the church changing—or staying the same

Interview: Timothy Radcliffe on how he prepares to give homilies—and preach to synod delegates

Synod opens with unusual penitential service: 7 cardinals ask for forgiveness for church’s sins

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