Pope opens consultation on Catholic Church future
VATICAN CITY, OCT 10(REUTERS) - POPE Francis on
Sunday launched a two-year worldwide consultative process that could change the way the Roman Catholic Church makes decisions and leave its mark long after his pontificate is over.
Proponents see the initiative called “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission” as an opportunity to change the Church’s power dynamics and give a greater voice to lay Catholics, including women, and people on the margins of society.
Conservatives say the three-stage process is a waste of time, may erode the hierarchical structure of the 1.3 billion member Church and in the long run could dilute traditional doctrine.
At a Mass in St. Peter’s Basilica, Francis said Catholics should have a open mind about the process.
“Are we prepared for the adventure of this journey? Or are we preferring to take refuge in the usual excuses: ‘It’s useless’ or ‘We’ve always done it this way’”? Francis said in his homily.