On October 8, 2013, Pope Francis announced that in October 2014 there would be an Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on topics related to the family and evangelization. Subsequent communications made clear that the Extraordinary General Assembly would be followed by an Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2015, on the same topics.

This webpage provides a brief overview of the Synod of Bishops and the two Synods of Bishops on the family and evangelization. It is meant to aid the Catholic faithful in learning about and preparing for these important events in the life of the Church. Additional information will be added as it is released from the Vatican.

Basic Information about the Synod of Bishops

What is the Synod of Bishops?

The Synod of Bishops is a permanent institution of the Catholic Church. It was established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, shortly after the close of the Second Vatican Council, to continue the spirit of collegiality and communion that was present at the Council. The Synod is an assembly of bishops from around the world who assist the Holy Father by providing counsel on important questions facing the Church in a manner that preserves the Church’s teaching and strengthens her internal discipline. (See the Vatican website. . . and Code of Canon Law. . . , canon 342)

When does the Synod of Bishops meet?

The Synod of Bishops meets at the request of the Holy Father, when he considers it necessary or opportune to consult with the world’s bishops.

What are the meetings of the Synod of Bishops called?

The Synod of Bishops can meet in a General Assembly (or Session) on topics that pertain to the entire Church; these kinds of sessions can be either Ordinary or Extraordinary. The Synod of Bishops can also meet in a Special Assembly (or Session) on topics that pertain to a limited geographical area. For example, Special Assemblies have been held in recent years on topics concerning the Middle East and Africa.

What is an Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

A General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is called “Ordinary” if its topic is “for the good of the universal Church” and seems to require the “learning, prudence and counsel” of all the world’s bishops (Ordo Synodi Episcoporum. . . , 4).

What is an Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

A General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is called “Extraordinary” when it is convened to deal with matters “which require a speedy solution” (Code of Canon Law. . . , canon 346 §2) and which demand “immediate attention for the good of the entire Church” (OSE. . . , 4).

Who are the heads of the Synod of Bishops?

The President of the Synod is the current Holy Father, Pope Francis. The Synod also has a General Secretary, who is currently Cardinal Lorenzo Baldisseri. (See the Vatican website. . . for a list of past Presidents and General Secretaries.)

III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family (2014)

This Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops was the third ever held; previous Extraordinary General Assemblies were held in 1969 and 1985.

What was the theme of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

“The pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization”

What were the dates of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

October 5-19, 2014

Where did the III Extraordinary Synod take place?

Vatican City

Which U.S. bishops attended the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

The full list of participants and auditors can be found on the Vatican News website. . . . The bishop delegation from the United States included Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz (Louisville, USCCB President), Cardinal Timothy M. Dolan (New York, Member of the Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops), Cardinal Donald W. Wuerl (Washington, Member of the Ordinary Council of the Synod of Bishops), and Archbishop William C. Skurla (Byzantine Metropolitan of Pittsburgh, president of the Council of the Ruthenian Catholic Church). Two married couples from the United States were also invited to attend as auditors.

What was the purpose of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

The Preparatory Document described the purpose of the III Extraordinary General Assembly as “to define the ‘status quaestionis‘ [current situation] and to collect the bishops’ experiences and proposals in proclaiming and living the Gospel of the Family in a credible manner.” The Instrumentum Laboris said that the III Extraordinary General Assembly “will thoroughly examine and analyze the information, testimonies and recommendations received from the particular Churches in order to respond to the new challenges of the family.”

What documents were released in advance of the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops?

November 2013: The Preparatory Document. . . outlined the purpose of both the Extraordinary and Ordinary General Assemblies, provided a basic catechesis on the Gospel of the Family, and requested input from the world’s bishops on nine questions about the current state of pastoral care for marriages and families. (See also Vatican News, press conference. . . , release of PD)

June 2014: The Instrumentum Laboris. . . contained the results of the consultation achieved via the Preparatory Document‘s questionnaire. This document provides a substantive reflection on the major challenges facing the family today, and outlines the topics that will be discussed at the Extraordinary General Assembly. (See also Vatican News, press conference. . . , release of IL) 

Addresses, Homilies and Documents from the III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops:
Please visit the Vatican Synod page for additional addresses, in various languages. . . .

• October 5, 2014: Homily . . . by Pope Francis at the Mass for the Opening of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family
• October 6, 2014: Video presentation by Archbishop Joseph E. Kurtz (USCCB President) on expectations for the Synod
• October 7, 2014: Testimony . . . by U.S. married couple Jeff and Alice Heinzen, “Marriage, a Life Journey of Authentic Love”
• October 18, 2014: Address . . . by Pope Francis for the Conclusion of the Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
• October 18, 2014: Message . . . of the Synod Fathers, Third Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
• October 19, 2014: Homily . . . by Pope Francis at the Closing Mass of the Extraordinary Synod on the Family and Beatification of the Servant of God Paul VI
• October 19, 2014: Relatio Synodi. . . (final report) of the Extraordinary Synod