Church leaders meet in Rome to assess Synod progress, share global insights, and prepare for key ecclesial assemblies planned for 2027–2028.
Newsroom (22/06/2026 Gaudium Press ) Senior representatives of the Catholic Church’s continental bodies have gathered in Rome this week for a pivotal round of discussions focused on advancing the Synod on Synodality and preparing for upcoming global assemblies planned for 2027–2028.
The three-day meeting, running from June 23 to June 25, brings together leaders from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and North America, alongside coordinators of continental synodal teams. The gathering was announced in a press release issued Monday by the General Secretariat of the Synod, which is overseeing the process.
Assessing Progress in a Global Process
The Rome meeting marks a significant moment in the Church’s ongoing synodal journey, following the conclusion of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2024. With the Synod now firmly in its implementation phase, participants are tasked with evaluating how the Final Document adopted at that assembly is being put into practice across diverse local and regional contexts.
According to the General Secretariat, the discussions will prioritize listening to key developments emerging from different parts of the world. Leaders are sharing experiences from their respective regions, highlighting both progress and challenges, and identifying broader patterns that may require further collective reflection.
This global exchange is intended to deepen understanding of how synodality—defined as a participatory, listening-centered approach to Church governance—is being lived out in varied cultural and pastoral settings. It also aims to ensure that local realities inform the Church’s broader direction.
Preparing for the 2027–2028 Ecclesial Assemblies
Central to the meeting is preparation for the ecclesial assemblies scheduled for 2027–2028, which will serve as major milestones in the Synod’s next phase. These assemblies are expected to culminate in a global gathering in October 2028.
Guiding this preparation is a recently published framework document titled “Towards the Assemblies 2027–2028: Stages, Criteria, and Tools for Preparation.” The text outlines the structure and methodology for the upcoming phase, offering practical tools to support local Churches as they continue the synodal process.
Participants in Rome are examining how this framework can be effectively implemented across continents, ensuring consistency while allowing flexibility for local adaptation. Discussions are also addressing expectations for these assemblies, including their outcomes and their role within the broader synodal journey.
Supporting Local Churches
A significant portion of the program is dedicated to supporting local Churches and regional groupings as they carry forward synodal initiatives. The General Secretariat has emphasized the importance of accompaniment—helping communities remain engaged, inclusive, and rooted in dialogue.
Communication has emerged as a key theme in this effort. Participants are exploring how clear, effective communication strategies can foster participation and maintain momentum, particularly as the synodal process extends over multiple years and involves a wide range of stakeholders.
Key Questions on Participation and Representation
As the Church looks ahead to the continental and global assemblies, leaders are also grappling with foundational questions surrounding participation and representation. Ensuring that these gatherings truly reflect the diversity of the global Church is seen as essential to the credibility and effectiveness of the synodal process.
Other issues under discussion include the expected contributions of each assembly stage and the role of the General Secretariat in coordinating and accompanying the work at every level.
Papal Engagement
The meeting will conclude on Thursday evening, with a scheduled visit from Pope Leo XIV to the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Synod. The Holy Father is expected to engage directly with participants during the afternoon of June 25, offering an opportunity for dialogue and reflection at the highest level of Church leadership.
His presence underscores the importance of the synodal process as a defining priority for the Catholic Church in the coming years.
A Continuing Journey
As the Rome gathering unfolds, it highlights both the complexity and ambition of the Synod on Synodality. Bringing together voices from across continents, the Church is seeking to build a more participatory model of governance—one that listens attentively to its members while navigating the challenges of a diverse, global community.
The outcomes of this week’s discussions are expected to shape the path forward, laying the groundwork for the ecclesial assemblies that will ultimately culminate in 2028.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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