Toward the 2027-2028 Synod Assemblies, Church Leaders Gather in Rome

Church leaders from across the world have gathered in Rome from June 23 to 25, 2026, to evaluate progress on the Synod on Synodality and chart the next phase of the process. The discussions will help prepare for the upcoming ecclesial Assemblies scheduled for 2027-2028.

Organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod, the gathering brings together representatives of continental ecclesial organizations from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and North America, accompanied by coordinators of the continental synodal teams. The Secretary General of the Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar (SECAM), Rev. Fr. Rafael Simbine Junior, is taking part of this meeting.

On Tuesday, 23 June, Cardinal Mario Grech opened the proceedings by reflecting on the Synod’s impact, noting the many initiatives launched by local Churches to promote participation, formation, listening, and discernment.

However, he stressed that synodality’s true success lies not in improving Church structures but in inspiring missionary outreach. Cardinal Grech emphasized that the goal is to proclaim Jesus Christ, fostering communities that evangelize with joy, courage, and creativity. Without renewed missionary action that ignites hearts and brings people closer to the Gospel, synodal conversion remains incomplete.

For Cardinal Grech, “if synodality does not lead to a renewed missionary outreach, if it does not set hearts ablaze and move people to action, if it does not give rise to communities that proclaim Christ with joy and parrhesia, then it risks remaining incomplete.”

The meeting continues with plenary sessions and working groups, including a time of sharing among participants on the principal developments in the implementation of the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops: significant experiences, challenges encountered, and pastoral priorities, as well as on the role of the continental bodies in accompanying local Churches and groupings of Churches, with particular attention also being given to the role of communication.

On the afternoon of Thursday, 25 June, Pope Leo XIV will meet the participants and engage in dialogue with them at the General Secretariat of the Synod.

SECAM Communications Office