This Week at the Synod on Synodality: Participation focus comes amid exit of Chinese bishops

The synod saw the representation of two Chinese bishops as a subtle warming in Holy See-China relations. The commission aims to craft a comprehensive text reflecting the discussions, encapsulating inputs from smaller circles and independent interventions. On the evening of Oct. 17, the reports from the "Minor circles" or small discussion groups will be finalized, with discussions on module B3 of the\u202fInstrumentum Laboris\u202fconcerning "Participation, tasks of responsibility, and authority in a missionary synodal Church" slated for Oct. 18. A prayer event for migrants and refugees is scheduled on Oct. 19 in St. Peter's Square, with smaller circles revisiting the B3 reports on Oct. 21. The commission for drafting the synthesis report reconvenes on Oct. 22 with a follow-up meeting on Oct. 25. The migrant prayer event on Oct. 19 highlights the recurring theme of migration. Despite a hiccup last week when a cloud error exposed the minor circles' reports online, Pope Francis' call for prudence and confidentiality remains paramount, ensuring the essence of discussions remains within the holy confines.