Pope Francis Extends the Synod to 2024 and Encourages the 1 Million Children Praying the Rosary Campaign to Pray for Victims of War

After the Angelus, on Sunday October 16th, Pope Francis said:

Dear brothers and sisters,

On 10 October last year, the first phase opened of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the theme, “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission”.

Since then, the first phase of the Synod is being carried out in the local Churches through listening and discernment. The fruits of the synodal process under way are many, but so that they might come to full maturity, it is necessary not to be in a rush. Therefore, in order to have a more relaxed period of discernment, I have established that this Synodal Assembly will take place in two sessions. The first from 4 to 29 October 2023, and the second in October of 2024. I trust that this decision will promote the understanding of synodality as a constitutive dimension of the Church, and help everyone to live it as the journey of brothers and sisters who proclaim the joy of the Gospel.

Today, in Boves (Cuneo), Fathers Giuseppe Bernardi and Mario Ghibaudo – pastor and assistant pastor, killed in hatred of the faith in 1943 – will be proclaimed Blessed. In extreme danger they did not abandon the people entrusted to them, but assisted them even to the point of shedding their blood, sharing the tragic destiny of other fellow townspeople killed by the Nazis. May their example enkindle in priests the desire to be pastors after Christ’s heart, always alongside their people. A round of applause for the new Blesseds!

This Tuesday, 18 October, the Foundation “Aid to the Church in Need” is promoting the “A million children praying the Rosary” campaign. I thank all the children who are participating! Let us unite ourselves to them and entrust the suffering people of Ukraine, and other people who are suffering due to war and any form of violence and misery, to Our Lady’s intercession.

Regarding misery, tomorrow is the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty. Everyone can give a hand toward a society where no one feels excluded because they are poor.

I greet all of you, people from Rome and pilgrims from various countries: families, parish groups, associations. In particular, I greet the musical band from Freiburg that I heard playing. You are really good! The “Comelico” Choir from Santo Stefano di Cadore and the Association of the Militia of the Immaculata, and the representatives of the Spanish Confederation of Business Organizations and the Spanish Federation of the Self-Employed. I also greet those who are here from Chajarí, Entre Ríos Province (Argentina). May God bless you!

I hope all of you have a good Sunday. And, please, do not forget to pray for me. Enjoy your lunch and arrivederci!

Source: Vatican.va