For a Church open to everyone

“The synod isn’t a survey; it’s about listening to the protagonist, the Holy Spirit”, Pope Francis said in his video for the prayer intention for the month of October, in which he calls on the faithful to pray “for a Church open to everyone”. “Without prayer, there will be no synod”, he stressed.

Explaining that “to synod” means “to walk together”, the Holy Father said that God expects the Church of the third millennium to “regain its awareness of being a people on the road and of having to travel together”. She should not only listen, but also know that “listening is more important than just hearing”.

A synodal Church, he continued, “means listening to each other in our diversity and opening doors to those outside the Church. It’s not about gathering opinions, nor holding a parliament”.

“Let us pray that the Church, ever faithful to the Gospel and courageous in preaching it, may live in an increasing atmosphere of synodality and be a community of solidarity, fraternity, and welcome”, the Pope concluded.

Father Frédéric Fornos, sj , International Director of the Pope’s worldwide prayer network, underlined that “listening, dialogue, prayer and discernment” are fundamental aspects of the ongoing synodal journey. Indeed, he underscored, there can be no discernment without prayer. Without prayer, one can share beautiful reflections and experiences, but not truly listen to the Holy Spirit.

Created and produced by the worldwide prayer network, in collaboration with La Machi agency and the Dicastery for Communication, the Pope’s prayer intention for October can be found on www.thepopevideo.org.