Pope: the Synod is guided by the action of the Holy Spirit

(Vatican Radio) Pope Francis on Monday described the just opened Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family as an ecclesial expression that is guided by the action of the Holy Spirit.

Greeting participants at the Assembly just before work began on Monday morning, the Pope reminded them that a Synod of Bishops is not a conference, a parlor or a senate during which an agreement is reached.

It is, he said, a “walking together with the spirit of collegiality and synodality” never losing sight of the good of Church and of families.     

Noting that the Holy Spirit speaks in the language of all the people of God who never fails to surprise us, the Pope said participants must be armed with apostolic courage, evangelical humility and trusting oration so that the Synod may be a space of action of the Holy Spirit.

The only method to be used, Pope Francis concluded, is to open oneself to the Holy Spirit so that he may guide us and enlighten us.

A full Vatican Radio translation of the Pope’s words to the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family will be provided shortly.