As the Catholic Church prepares for the second phase of the Synod on Synodality in October 2024, Pope Francis has announced his prayer intention for the month: “For a shared mission” of all Catholic faithful. This global synodal process, themed “For a synodal Church: communion, participation and mission,” aims to foster community and shared responsibility among priests, religious, and laypeople.
In a video message produced by the Diocese of Brooklyn and the General Secretariat of the Synod, Pope Francis emphasized that every Christian has a role in the Church’s mission. “All Christians are responsible for the mission of the Church… We are a community,” he said, stressing that priests are not superior to the laity but rather their shepherds.
The Pope encouraged everyone to take joint responsibility for the Church’s mission, regardless of their profession or background. “What can I do as a bus driver? What can I do as a farmer? What can I do as a fisherman?” he asked rhetorically. “We all have to bear witness with our lives.”