Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, said that Pope Leo XIV offered “powerful” support and encouragement to leading prelates from around the world during a June 25 private audience.
“The meeting with the Holy Father was for all the participants a powerful sign of support and encouragement as they continue their work for the Church’s synodal conversion,” said Cardinal Mario Grech.
The papal audience came at the conclusion of a three-day meeting of Synod staff with leaders of continental bishops’ assemblies, in preparation for the synodal assemblies of 2027-2028.
The implementation phase of the 2021-2024 Synod on synodality culminates in an ecclesial assembly in Rome in October 2028. Prior to that, diocesan assemblies are scheduled to take place during the first half of 2027; national assemblies, during the second half of 2027; and continental assemblies, during the first four months of 2028 (Towards the Assemblies 2027-2028, p. 5).