Mon Oct 11 2021 by Donna Birrell
Pope Francis has launched a two-year consultation on the future direction of the Catholic Church.
The process will see every Catholic parish around the world asked for their views in a process which is seen as one of the most ambitious attempts at reform for generations.
Announcing the consultation at a Mass at St Peter’s Basilica yesterday, Pope Francis said:
“Are we prepared for the adventure of this journey? Or are we fearful of the unknown, preferring to take refuge in the usual excuses: ‘It’s useless’ or ‘We’ve always done it this way?”
The consultation will work in three stages: a ‘Listening’ phase in which people in parishes and dioceses will be able to discuss a wide range of issues, including sexuality and women’s ordination; a ‘Continental’ phase in which Bishops will discuss and formalise the findings and a ‘Universal’ phase in which Bishops meet at the Vatican in October 2023.
The Pope is then expected to draw up a document with his views on the findings.
