Synodality in the Church

Latin American Experiences on the Path of Synodality

Abstract

This address by Father Arturo Sosa Abascal, S.J., Superior General of the Society of Jesus, delivered at the Academic Act of Conferring the Degree of Doctor Honoris Causa of Babeş-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, on November 17, 2023, reflects on the significance of synodality within the contemporary Church. In the context of the ongoing synodal process inspired by the Second Vatican Council and championed by Pope Francis, Father Sosa examines the synodal journey of the Latin American Church. He defines synodality as “walking together” and emphasizes its importance to both humanity and the Church’s mission. He recounts the Church’s shift in Latin America, driven by a growing desire for a more personalized relationship with God and greater social responsibility. This change fostered the creation of discerning communities, such as the Comunidades Ecclesiales de Base, which embodied the Church’s commitment to engage society, especially in solidarity with the impoverished. The transformation, informed by the teachings of the Gospels, faced challenges under John Paul II’s pontificate due to growing institutionalization and differing ecclesial priorities. Father Sosa concludes by highlighting synodality as a fundamental path for the Church in the third millennium, urging a continued commitment to walking together in faith and mission.