POPE FRANCIS' SYNODAL VISION OF THE CHURCH

On December 7th, Pope Francis was interviewed by the Belgian Catholic weekly, Tertio.  The Holy Father touched upon a number of topics, but his remarks about the Synodal Church perhaps were the most enlightening.

Pope Francis offered us a glimpse into his vision of the Church in general, and the Papal Office in particular. 

He sees his approach as a continuation of Vatican II’s Dogmatic Constitution on the Church, which picked up where Vatican I left off because of war, and articulated in a masterful way the nature of the office and ministry of the Bishop, as a member of the College and as the chief shepherd within his diocese. 

It appears that Pope Francis understands that each and every Bishop must become the living guarantor of the priestly, prophetic and kingly character of the Church in his own diocese. And all together must cooperate collegially to enliven the one, holy, catholic and apostolic Church of Christ.  

This seems to be what Francis is saying, although he is not quite so definitive in its expression.

Pope Francis clearly hopes to see this synodal character within each diocese and the Universal Church, for he knows that Peter, and Peter alone, “is the guarantor of the unity of the Church.” Thus, he sees the Petrine office as one of accompaniment and listening to all the local churches.  

He stated:  “Therefore either there is a pyramidal Church, in which what Peter says is done, or there is a synodal Church, in which Peter is Peter but he accompanies the Church, he lets her grow, he listens to her, he learns from this reality and goes about harmonizing it, discerning what comes from the Church and restoring it to her.” For Francis, the Pope is "primus inter pares", that is, he is "first among equals".

He understands this will result in what he commonly refers to as “unity in diversity,” even should this diversity raise serious questions about principles of faith and morals among some of the Bishops. 

Doctrinal and moral diversity, in the best sense, would consist in a variety of legitimate insights into Divine Revelation and the natural law, according to the genius of each time and place. 

But doctrinal and moral diversity are a  relatively new experience for a Church which had become fearful and intolerant of any nuances in matters of faith and morals under the staunch and rigid leadership of Pope St. John Paul II.

Francis is aware that he is ushering in a new era in the exercise of the Pontifical Office.  He equally understands that it can take time for the intellectual dust of discernment and adjustment to settle. Yet, he appears to be perfectly at ease in his faith in the Holy Spirit to guide and protect the Church at every stage of her history and mission as She enlightens the world with the Light of the Gospel.

Let us share our Holy Father’s faith and pray to the Holy Spirit to shower His Sevenfold Gifts of Grace upon the Pope, the Bishops and all of us:  the Gifts of wisdom, understanding, knowledge, counsel, fortitude, piety, and a reverential fear of the Lord.  In this as in all things, may we have the humility to submit ourselves to the Will of the Father and embrace the guidance He offers with tranquility and confidence.