There is nothing to fear here
For the fourth time since 2008 I will spend a good part of October in an “upper room” at the Vatican, seated among the synod fathers (and several “mothers”) listening to people who love the Church and care about her future. Presiding over this important gathering is the Bishop of Rome, also known as the Vicar of Christ, Successor of St Peter or simply the Pope. Blessed Paul VI created the synod of bishops on September 15, 1965 – almost exactly 50 years ago – to give the world’s bishops a voice. He hoped that the body would serve as a sounding board and advise the pope on various aspects of the Church’s life.
