Leaders of the Church’s continental bodies have gathered in Rome this week for three days of meetings to review progress on the Synod on Synodality and prepare for the ecclesial Assemblies of 2027–2028. The gathering, organized by the General Secretariat of the Synod on June 23–25, brings together representatives from Latin America, Africa, Asia, Europe, Oceania, the Middle East, and North America, along with coordinators of continental synodal teams.
The meeting comes during the implementation phase of the Synod, which began after the XVI Ordinary General Assembly concluded in October 2024. That phase will be marked by the ecclesial Assemblies of 2027–2028. Participants are using the recently published guide Towards the Assemblies 2027–2028: Stages, Criteria, and Tools for Preparation to shape the next steps. Over the three days, they are listening to updates on the Final Document of the 2024 Synod, sharing experiences from different regions, and identifying common dynamics and issues that need further reflection.
Part of the programme focuses on supporting local Churches and regional groupings as they continue the synodal process, with special attention to the role of communication in that work. On the final day, discussions will center on the continental Assemblies as one stage in the broader journey leading to the October 2028 Assembly. Leaders will reflect on questions of participation, representation, expected outcomes, and how the General Secretariat will accompany the process.The gathering concludes Thursday evening, June 25. Before that, Pope Leo XIV is scheduled to meet participants at the General Secretariat of the Synod for dialogue in the afternoon.