Recommended: Magnifica Humanitas and Synodality
Recommended resource: The US Jesuit publication America Magazine has published an analysis article of Pope Leo’s latest encyclical, ‘Where synodality shows up in ‘Magnifica Humanitas’’, written by Erin Brigham.
Recommended: How To Manage Conflict in Local Communities
Recommended Resource: Pax Christi in collaboration with the Synod Secretariat have created this resource on navigating challenging conversations and conflicts with synodality tools.
Have you found yourself in a difficult situation where tensions arise in a group setting, and you are not sure how to overcome them?
A new resource from the General Secretariat of the Synod, in collaboration with Pax Christi International’s Catholic Nonviolence Initiative, speaks directly to this experience.
‘How to manage conflict in local communities, Tips for Local Synod Facilitators’ is designed to support those who accompany communities in moments of dialogue, disagreement, and discernment, offering both practical tools and a deeply spiritual approach to conflict. This new publication is a valuable companion for parish groups, diocesan teams, synod facilitators, and all those committed to building a more listening, participatory, and peaceful Church.
More Resources:
Recommended: Towards the Assemblies 2027-28
Recommended Resource: Synod Secretariat’s ‘Towards the Assemblies 2027-2028’
What concrete form of a missionary synodal Church, and what new paths of synodality, are emerging in your community?
The General Secretariat of the Synod have published a document as a guide for local churches, called Towards the 2027–2028 Assemblies: stages, criteria, and tools in preparation for the 2027–2028 Assemblies’. The worldwide Synodal Assemblies planned for the coming years constitute a decisive step in the implementation of the Synod.
The implementation phase does not introduce additional tasks alongside the ordinary life of communities; rather, it orients and renews that life from within. The indications offered here are intended to help give more concrete form to the process already underway, by specifying the involvement of the local Churches and of the different spheres of ecclesial communion.
More Resources:
Recommended: Pope Leo’s latest comments on Synodality
Recommended resource: Pope Leo frequently comments on the importance of synodality in various settings, from speeches to encyclicals and sermons. This links directly to the latest on the Vatican website.
Recommended: Journal of Moral Theology - Women at the Synod on Synodality
Recommended Resource: Women Theologians who attended the Synod on Synodality offer 9 essays for The Journal of Moral Theology
The Journal of Moral Theology is an open-access, peer-reviewed, international scholarly journal focused on Catholic moral theology.
This special issue (15, 2026) marks an historic moment: the participation of women in a synod of the Roman Catholic Church. Our Director Avril Baigent, along with other women who participated in the synod, offer essays that engages the work of the Synod on Synodality (2021–24), offering an account of women’s role in the synodal process and of the textual development of the theme of women in key documents.
Introduction: Approaching the Role of Women as a Fully and Integrally Synodal Matter
- Anna F. Rowlands
Women: Protagonists in a Synodal Church?
- Catherine E. Clifford
The presence of women at the Synod of Bishops, and its renewed attention to their participation in the life of the Church, reopens a conversation that has languished for decades.
The Role of Women in a Synodal Church: Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity
- Klara A. Csiszar
The essay examines women's increasing participation in the Catholic Church, focusing on cultural challenges, theological education, and Pope Francis’s reforms for inclusivity and leadership.
The Contribution of the Synod on Synodality Towards a Systematic Theology and Praxis of Leadership - Christina Kheng
A synodal church requires authority, participation, and leadership. The Synod on Synodality paves the way for the theology and praxis of leadership to be more systematically delineated and broadly applied.
Between Critical Feminist Theology and the New Feminism: Where to from Here?
- Renée Köhler-Ryan
Synodal debates on women’s dignity, authority, and participation expose fractures in understanding femininity. Complementarity must evolve, engaging feminist theology and experience, so the Church reflects humanity created male and female.
Catholic Social Teaching, Women, and the Synod - Sandie Cornish
This participant observer study reports the reflections of a female expert facilitator at the Synod on Synodality who brought expertise in Catholic social thought to her participation.
Living Vocation Despite the Obstacles: Catholic Women in Leadership - Avril Baigent
Catholic women around the world face obstacles in living their vocation. Barriers exist at multiple, mutually-reinforcing levels, and failing to overcome them diminishes the Church’s shared mission.
Afterword: Capturing Women’s Voices from the “Prophetic Edge” - Kristin Colberg
Today, the Catholic Church seeks a synodal transformation of its life on every level, and with it comes an invitation for the entire People of God to participate.
How a Synodal Church Learns to Listen
- Susan Pascoe
An invitational conference in Rome in March 2024 evaluated the elements of participation, power, and responsibility that emerged in the first two years of the Synod on Synodality.
Appendix: Synod on Synodality: Women Members of the Two Assemblies - Anna F. Rowlands
The names listed are listed under the category headings as issued by the Vatican. These have added a known sub-category in the case of expert-facilitators and expert-theologians.
More Resources…
Final Document Lent Reflections Series
Our Resource: Be ‘called to the journey’ to reflect each week during Lent on key passages of the Final Synod Document
On a journey through the wilderness of Lent, we invite you to join us as part of the School for Synodality in taking time to dwell on what it means to journey together and open ourselves to hear the whispers of God along the way.
We offer some spiritual reflection through material drawn from our resource, A Feast for All Peoples. Each week of Lent, we offer a piece of scripture, brief notes, a passage from the Final Document, and a reflective question to ponder.
We invite you to accompany us, praying for the grace to continue on the synodal path, whether in small steps or great leaps, always together.
We hope you will be encouraged to pray through to Week 7, when the journey concludes on Easter Monday. There, in the joy of the Resurrection, we will share the banquet prepared by Jesus on the lakeshore for his disciples.
Start the Journey here…
What to expect:
What is a self guided reflection?
Taking time to be still and reflect on your own terms in your own way using the reflection prompts. This is entirely for your own growth and spiritual nourishment, but with the knowledge that others all round the world will be reflecting on the same passages.
How to use this reflection series?
This can be used wherever you are, in your own time and in whatever context you are in. You may wish to start with your own short prayer such as the Our Father or Come, Holy Spirit. We suggest you take time to read each section (perhaps more than once) slowly and with intention. Be aware of your inner responses, as the Holy Spirit may speak to you in those quiet moments. You may wish to return to the series during the week as you ponder the reflection question.
Do I need to know about synodality or the Final Synod Document?
You do not need to know about synodality or the Final Synod Document to engage with this reflection series. Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition, and this series is one opportunity to answer this call. For more about synodality we suggest you explore our Getting Started and FAQ pages.
The School for Synodality has also put together a helpful guide to the Final Synod Document which includes our Book Club that takes it chapter by chapter with expert speakers, Lectio Divina for certain passages and our small group resource A Feast for All Peoples upon which this reflection series is based.
Testimonies - What Does Synodality Mean for You?
Our Resource: People from the Jubilee of Synodal Teams share what synodality means to them - showcasing a rich diversity of approaches that ultimately leads us to closer communion with Christ, and one another.
Final Synod Document Resources
Resource Collection: As we move into the implementation stage of the synodal process, here are some key resources from the School for Synodality to help guide our understanding of the Final Synod Document.
Reading the Final Document: Lectio Divina resources
Our Resource: Follow along as we reflect together on key passages from the Final Document from the XVI Assembly
The last stage of the three year Synod journey was the creation of a Final Synod Document called ‘For a Synodal Church, Communion, Participation and Mission'.
The Final Synod Document a rich resource, beautiful but rather technical in places. Much like we might do with scripture, its possible to reflect on individual passages of the Final Document and allowing them to inspire us. These reflections are an opportunity to reflect and respond alone or in groups, and we will be updating this page as we go along.
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Our first reflection concentrates on the definition of synodality. This passage from the Final Document is taken from 'Part I: The Heart of Synodality' which looks at how we are called by the Holy Spirit to conversion.
“Oriented towards mission, synodality involves gathering at all levels of the Church for mutual listening, dialogue and community discernment. It also involves reaching consensus as an expression of Christ rendering himself present... In simple and concise terms, synodality is a path of spiritual renewal and structural reform that enables the Church to be more participatory and missionary so that it can walk with every man and woman, radiating the light of Christ”
- §28, Final Document
Questions for reflection:
What stands out for you from this passage? Is there a particular word or phrase that is resonating in you?
What are the possibilities for linking "spiritual renewal and structural reform"?
What possibilities does it open up for you?
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“Synodality is primarily a spiritual disposition. A synodal spirituality flows from the action of the Holy Spirit and requires listening to the Word of God, contemplation, silence and conversion of heart... A spirituality of synodality also requires asceticism, humility, patience and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven. No one can progress along the path of authentic spirituality alone; we need support, including formation and spiritual accompaniment, both as individuals and as a community.”
- §43, Final DocumentQuestions for reflection:
What does it mean to think about synodality as 'primarily a spiritual disposition'? What changes does this require for our Catholic life together?
In a world that rewards loud voices and polarising opinions, how practically can we cultivate 'humility, patience and a willingness to forgive and be forgiven'?
The passage states the need for formation and community. Who might my companions be on this synodal journey (they might not be the obvious people)?
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“We encounter three disciples on Easter Morning: Mary Magdalene, Simon Peter, and the disciple whom Jesus loved. Each of them is seeking the Lord in his or her own way; each has his or her own part to play in enabling the light of hope to dawn. Mary Magdalene is so driven by love that she is the first at the tomb. Alerted by her, Peter and the Beloved Disciple make their way to the tomb. The Beloved Disciple races to the tomb with all the strength of youth. He looks intently; he is the first to understand, yet he lets Peter go first, he who is the elder, entrusted with the responsibility of leading. Peter, weighed down by his renunciation of the Lord, has an appointment with mercy, the mercy which he will minister in the Church. Mary remains in the garden. She hears herself called by name. She recognises the Lord. He commissions her to proclaim his Resurrection to the community of disciples. For this reason, the Church recognises her as Apostle of the Apostles. Their dependence on one another embodies the heart of synodality.
The Church exists to bear witness in the world to the most decisive moment in history: the Resurrection of Jesus. … The Gospels tell us that in order to enter into Easter faith and become witnesses to it, it is necessary to acknowledge our own inner emptiness, the darkness of fear, doubt and sin. Yet those who, in the midst of darkness, find the courage to set out as searchers discover that they themselves are the ones being sought. They are being called by name, offered forgiveness, and, in turn, sent out to their brothers and sisters together.”
- §13 & 14, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:
This is a particularly rich passage. Which word or phrase stands out most for you?
Which of the three disciples do you most identify with? What does this phrase mean to you: "Their dependence on one another embodies the heart of synodality."
These two paragraphs underline the missionary quality of synodality: "The Church exists to bear witness..." How could synodality help your local community to become more outward looking?
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“Ecclesial discernment is not an organisational technique but rather a spiritual practice grounded in a living faith. It calls for interior freedom, humility, prayer, mutual trust, an openness to the new and a surrender to the will of God. It is never just a setting out of one’s own personal or group point of view or a summing up of differing individual opinions. Each person, speaking according to their conscience, is called to open themselves to the others who share according to their conscience. In this sharing, they seek to recognise together “what the Spirit is saying to the Churches” (Rev 2:7). As ecclesial discernment entails the contribution of everyone, it is both the condition and a privileged expression of synodality, in which communion, mission and participation are lived. The more everyone is heard, the richer the discernment. Therefore, it is essential that we promote the broadest participation possible in the discernment process, particularly involving those who are at the margins of the Christian community and society.”
- §82, Final Document
This section of the document is particularly rich and practical in its description of discernment processes, including in 83, the place of Scripture, and in 84, laying out step by step how such processes can be best conducted.
These passages are worthy of close study for anyone involved in pastoral councils, finance committees, school governors, clerical consultation bodies or indeed any group seeking to discern God's will.
Questions for Reflection:
In the Pentecost light of the Church, how do you respond to the first sentence: "Ecclesial discernment is not an organisational technique but rather a spiritual practice grounded in a living faith"? How does this change how we think about decision-making in the Church?
What work is needed for people to develop "interior freedom, humility, prayer, mutual trust, an openness to the new and a surrender to the will of God"? How can we support this at different levels?
"It is essential that we promote the broadest participation possible in the discernment process, particularly involving those who are at the margins of the Christian community and society."
This is challenging. In week 3 of our online bookclub, Manila-based theologian Estela Padilla describes how one diocese in the Philippines paid a day's wages to manual labourers so that they could take part in discernment processes. What do we need to do in our context to engage all the voices?
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“Each Baptised person responds to missionary needs in the contexts in which they live and work, according to their dispositions and abilities. This demonstrates the freedom of the Spirit in bestowing God’s gifts. Owing to this dynamism in the Spirit, the People of God, listening to the reality in which they live, discover new forms of commitment and new ways to fulfil their mission. Christians, each according to their diverse roles - within the family and other states of life; in the workplace and in their professions; engaged civilly, politically, socially or ecologically; in the development of a culture inspired by the Gospel, including the evangelisation of the digital environment - walk the paths of the world and proclaim the Gospel where they live, sustained by the gifts of the Spirit.”
- §58, Final Document
Questions for reflection:
What are the missionary needs in the contexts that you live and work?
What possibilities are there for 'new ways' to fulfil your mission?
Do you think of yourself as engaging 'civilly, politically, socially or ecologically...including the evangelisation of the digital environment'? What would you need in order to take up your mission in this way?
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“Practised with humility, the synodal style enables the Church to be a prophetic voice in today’s world. “A synodal Church is like a standard lifted up among the nations (cf. Is 11:12)” (Francis, Address for the Commemoration of the 50th Anniversary of the Institution of the Synod of Bishops, 17 October 2015). We live in an age marked by ever-increasing inequalities; growing disillusionment with traditional models of governance, disenchantment with the functioning of democracy, increasing autocratic and dictatorial tendencies and the predominance of the market model without regard for the vulnerability of people and of creation. The temptation can be to resolve conflicts by force rather than by dialogue. Authentic practices of synodality enable Christians to be a critical and prophetic voice over against the prevailing culture. In this way, we can offer a distinctive contribution to the search for answers to many challenges faced by our contemporary societies in building the common good.”
- §47, Final Document
Questions for reflection:
At a time when our public discourse is ever more divided, what possibilities do you see for a synodal Church to be ‘a prophetic voice in today’s world’?
How do the synodal practices of listening, courageous speaking and discernment stand against inequalities, disillusionment and the use of force?
What might be our ‘distinctive contribution’ to the many challenges facing our world right now?
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“God’s heart has a special place for the poor” (EG 197), the marginalised and the excluded. Therefore, they are at the heart of the Church. The whole Christian community is called to recognise in those made poor the face and flesh of Christ, who, though He was rich, became poor for us so that we might become rich through His poverty (cf. 2 Cor 8: 9). The preferential option for the poor is implicit in Christological faith. The direct knowledge of the suffering Christ (cf. EG 198) possessed by those who are poor makes them heralds of salvation received as a gift and witnesses to the joy of the Gospel. The Church is called to be poor with those who are poor, who often constitute the majority of the faithful, to listen to them, learning together how to recognise the charisms they receive from the Spirit. The Church also needs to learn to recognise them as agents of evangelisation.”
- §19, Final Document
Questions for reflection:
This is such a rich and radical passage, it might be helpful to spend more time than usual sitting with the text, asking the Holy Spirit to inspire you.It feels very counter-cultural to say that the poor ‘are at the heart of the Church’ – rather than, for example, the object of our pity or charity. What would have to change so that the poor, marginalised and excluded are at the centre of our Catholic communities, and not on the peripheries?
How are we ‘called to be poor with those who are poor’? What kinds of poverty are there in our local community?
What word or phrase are you taking away from this passage, to illuminate the rest of your day?
For a real-world expression of Church that is oriented to those on the margins, see Avril’s conversation with Estela Padilla, Filipina Theologian and Community Organiser, exploring chapter 3 of the Final Document on the conversion of processes, here » -
“What emerged throughout the entire synodal journey, and in every place and context, was the call for a Church with a greater capacity to nurture relationships: with the Lord, between men and women, in the family, in the local community, among social groups and religions, with all of creation. Many participants were delighted and surprised to be asked to share their thoughts and to be given the opportunity to have their voices heard in the community. Others continued to express the pain of feeling excluded or judged because of their marital status, identity or sexuality…
To be a synodal Church, we are required to open ourselves to a genuine relational conversion that redirects each person’s priorities, and we must once again learn from the Gospel that attending to relationships is not merely a strategy or a tool for greater organisational effectiveness. Relationships and bonds are the means by which God the Father has revealed Himself in Jesus and the Spirit. When our relationships, even in their fragility, allow the grace of Christ, the love of the Father, and the communion of the Spirit to shine through, we confess with our lives our faith in God the Trinity.”
- §50, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:To what extent do we prioritise relationships in our communities? What gets in the way of this?
What would it mean to "open ourselves to a genuine relational conversion that redirects each person’s priorities”? What would need to change for this to happen?
How do we understand ourselves as in relationship with the Father, Son and Holy Spirit? What becomes richer and deeper about our faith as we experience this more?
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“The experience of rootedness means grappling with profound socio-cultural changes that are transforming the understanding of place. ‘Place’ can no longer be conceived in purely geographical and spatial terms but evokes, in our time, one’s belonging to a network of relationships and to a culture whose territorial roots are more dynamic and flexible than ever before. Urbanisation is one of the main factors driving this change. Today, for the first time in human history, most of the global population lives in cities. Large cities are often urban masses without a history and identity in which people live an isolated existence. Traditional territorial bonds are being redefined, blurring the borders of dioceses and parishes.
Living in such contexts, the Church is called to rebuild community life, to put a face to faceless entities and to strengthen relationships in this milieu. To this end, we must not only continue to value still- useful structures; we also need “missionary creativity” to explore new forms of pastoral action and identify concrete processes of care. It remains the case that rural contexts, some of which constitute genuine existential peripheries, must not be neglected and require specific pastoral attention, as do places of marginalisation and exclusion”
- §111, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:This passage is quite dense, which makes it perfect for a Lectio reflection! Take some time to mull it over, perhaps reflecting particularly:
In what ways do I experience change, both in the world and in my local Catholic community?
The passage describes urbanisation as a significant driver of change, which can lead to isolation. How can Catholic communities be places of gathering and relationship?
What possibilities for “missionary creativity” do you see in your local context?
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“We should, therefore, look to the Gospels to outline for us the journey of conversion we are required to undertake, learning little by little to make Jesus' practices our own. The Gospels present to us a Lord who is often “in the act of listening to the people who come to Him along the roads of the Holy Land” (DCS 11). Jesus never sent anyone away without stopping to listen and to speak to them, whether men or women, Jews or pagans, doctors of the law or publicans, righteous men and women or sinners, beggars, the blind, lepers or the sick. By meeting people wherever their history and personal freedom had led them, He revealed to them the face of the Father. By listening to the needs and to the faith of those He met, and by responding through words and gestures, He renewed their lives, opening the path to healed relationships. Jesus is the Messiah who “even makes the deaf to hear and the mute to speak” (Mk 7: 37). He asks us, His disciples, to do the same and, through the grace of the Holy Spirit, gives us the capacity to do it conforming our hearts to His... When we listen to our sisters and brothers, we are participants in the way that God in Jesus Christ comes to meet each of us.”
- §51, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:This passage presents listening as a deeply radical act, leading to conversion. When in your own life have you experienced listening in this way?
Jesus listened to everyone he encountered, whether religious leaders or beggars. What opportunities do you have to listen to new voices?
Throughout Lent, can you challenge yourself to slow down each day and offer someone the gift of being truly listened to?
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“Gathered from every tribe, language, people and nation and living in different contexts and cultures, the synodal process gave us “the spiritual taste” of what it means to be the People of God... Within the plurality of contexts where the local Churches are rooted, the People of God proclaim and bear witness to the Good News of salvation. Being in the world and for the world, they walk together with all the peoples of the earth, in dialogue with their religions and their cultures, recognising in them the seeds of the Word, journeying towards the Kingdom. Incorporated into the People of God by faith and Baptism, we are sustained and accompanied by the Virgin Mary, “a sign of sure hope and comfort” by the Apostles, by those who bore witness to their faith to the point of giving their lives, and by the saints of every time and place.”
- §17, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:As we come to the final stages of the Easter season, approaching Pentecost and the birthday of the Church, we reflect this month on our purpose and calling. To put it bluntly, what are we for?
What is the context of your local Catholic community (urban, suburban, rural, etc?). Who are your neighbours and how do we accompany them?
What does it mean to you to be “in the world and for the world”? How is this lived out as part of our witness and calling?
As we await the great feast of Pentecost, in the company of the Virgin Mary and the Apostles, what is your prayer to the Holy Spirit for the Church?
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“The identity of the People of God flows from Baptism in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. This identity is lived out as a call to holiness and a sending out in mission, inviting all peoples to accept the gift of salvation (cf. Mt 28:18-19). The missionary synodal Church springs from Baptism, in which Christ clothes us with Himself (cf. Gal 3:27) and enables us to be reborn of the Spirit (cf. Jn 3:5-6) as children of God. The whole of Christian existence has its source and horizon in the mystery of the Trinity, which brings forth in us the dynamism of faith, hope and love.”
- §15, Final Document
Questions for Reflection:
We don’t reflect very often on our baptism as the source of our identity. What does it mean to you to be a baptised Catholic?
Although baptism is a gift to each of us individually, it makes us part of the People of God. How do we know ourselves as part of that global community of faith, ‘called to holiness and a sending out in mission’?
Spend a moment giving thanks for those who brought you to be baptised, and who have been important in your faith journey.
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Check back here soon for the next reflection
Recommended: Pope Leo’s sermon at Synodal Teams Jubilee
Recommended Resource: Pope Leo spoke of synodality in his homily for the Synodal Teams Jubilee mass on 26th October 2025.
Video Resources - Pathways Event
Our Resource: Video recordings from our ‘Pathways’ event, including the sections from Bishop Brendan Leahy and Austen Ivereigh
The School for Synodality held an online event - 'Pathways for Implementation: Next steps on our Synod Journey' - held on Saturday, 18th October at 11am (UK time). As ever, when the School for Synodality community gathered, there was plenty to challenge and inspire us. Come Holy Spirit!
This event was inspired by the guiding document for synodality released by the Vatican in June 2025, called ‘Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod’. The Final Document has been brought into church teaching, and as we seek to embed synodality in our everyday Catholic life and culture, we explore the next steps at grass-roots level.
Led by the School for Synodality Directors Dr Avril Baigent and Fr Matthew Nunes, we had author and commentator Austen Ivereigh give us an insightful overview of the Implementation Document, Bishop Brendan Leahy of the Limerick Diocese in Ireland as keynote speaker, and heard testimonies of how synodality is being successfully implemented in the Blessed Sacrament Parish of Exeter, England.
The School for Synodality Directors Dr Avril Baigent and Fr Matthew Nunes were also joined by Austen Ivereigh at the end of the session, for a panel discussion and to answer questions that arose.
Pathways for Implementation: Next steps on our Synod Journey'
The full video of School for Synodality’s online event held on Saturday, 18th October at 11am (UK time).
Austen Ivereigh
Author and commentator Austen Ivereigh gives us a brief background and guides us through what this means for parishes, dioceses, and the global Church.
Bishop Brendan Leahy
Join Bishop Brendan Leahy and Dr Avril Baigent as they explore the aspects of implementing the Final Document drawing on local and global experiences they discuss how listening, hope, and collaboration can shape a more participatory and missionary Church for the future.
Synodality testimony
Fr Jonathan Stewart and Angela Folden share their journey of implementing synodal practices in their parish of Blessed Sacrament in Exeter, England, with exciting and moving results.
Recommended: Pope Leo Q&A at Synodal Teams Jubilee
Recommended Resource: On 24th October 2025, Pope Leo engaged in a meeting-dialogue with participants of the Synodal Teams Jubilee, answering 7 key questions about synodality.
Image credit: Osservatore Romano
On 24th October Pope Leo XIV met with members of Synodal teams and participatory bodies, during their Jubilee in 2025. Over 2000 representatives from around the world came together to discuss synodality in their contexts, from Parish Councils to Diocesean teams and more.
During the Jubilee, 7 questions were put to the Holy Father during this session, each presented with a report from representatives of different continents. Pope Leo answered each one in a more universal approach, and so his responses can be relevant beyond individual contexts.
Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod Sr Nathalie BECQUART, X.M.C.J. introduced, saying “It is with great joy that we now experience this privileged moment, which will allow us to travel across the seven continents/regions of the world to hear briefly from each delegate – representing the continental Episcopal Conferences – offering a panorama of how the Synod is being implemented in their region. All seven will share how synodality is unfolding in their respective contexts: their initiatives, challenges, and projects.”
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Read: Report and question from Africa
Q: During the implementation phase, how can local Churches—particularly in Africa—both receive support from and inspire the whole Church so that we walk together in a spirit of "exchange of gifts, " respecting the principle of subsidiarity in local discernment, not imposing uniform models or undermining local initiative?
Holy Father:
“Thank you very much, Father, for what you have shared about the work of synodality in Africa. First of all, I would like to greet all of you. Good evening. Buenas tardes!
I think the first word I would like to say - one that is not only for the Church in Africa, but for all of us this evening - is mission, and being missionary. The synodal process, as Pope Francis reminded us on numerous occasions, was intended to help the Church fulfil her primary role in the world, which is to be missionary: to announce the Gospel and to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world and to the ends of the earth. In the words of the Gospel: preaching, sharing and living what Jesus taught us.
I think the Church in Africa, in this sense, has much to offer to all of us. What you spoke about the synodal process helps us to build bridges and understand how the Church can be a bridge, especially in cultures where Christians are not the majority and often live alongside members of other religions, whether regional traditions or world religions such as Islam. It reminds us that such contexts pose challenges, but at the same time also offer great opportunities.
What most of us have experienced over the past number of years in preparation for the Synod, and now at the beginning of this new phase of implementation, is precisely that synodality, to use your words, is not a campaign, it is a way of being and a way of being for the Church. It is a way of promoting an attitude, which begins with learning to listen to one another.
The gift of listening is something I think we all acknowledge, yet it has often been lost in certain sectors of the Church. We need to continue to discover how valuable it is, beginning with listening to the Word of God, to one another, and to the wisdom that we find in men and women, in members of the Church and also in those who are searching for the truth, even if they are not yet - or may never become - members of the Church.
In the African context, there are particular questions and realities that are both challenges and gifts, for example youth. When we compare Europe and Africa, one continent continues to grow older, while the other is filled with new life, youth and great vitality for the Church. There is also the gift of family, which is so important. The Church must reach out to people through young people and families, becoming an instrument of peacebuilding and offering models both in Africa - among African countries - and in different countries and continents, on issues such as promotion of peace and care for creation, among others.
In this sense, we have to be very clear: we are not looking for a uniform model, and we will not present a template that dictates to every country, "This is how you must do it." Rather, we are speaking of conversion to a spirit of being Church by being missionary and building up the family of God. Thank you.”
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Read: Report and question from Oceania
Q: The role of Continental Synodal Teams has been highlighted throughout the synodal journey, particularly in the implementation phase. Do you anticipate that the role of groupings of Churches - such as Continental Bishops' Conferences, national or regional Bishops' Conferences, and Ecclesiastical Provinces - will continue to grow in the life of the Church?
Holy Father:
“First of all, allow me to greet Dr Susan. She and I were members of the same table in the last session of the Synod, and it is nice to be at the same table again with you. Welcome.
The brief answer is yes. I do expect, and I hope, that the different groupings of Churches will continue to grow as expressions of communion in the Church, drawing on the gifts we are all receiving through this exercise - this "life of synodality."
I want to offer a very concrete and brief example that, for me, was particularly striking. I was at a meeting recently with a bishop from your region, who said that the issue of climate change is so urgent that, if current trends continue, his country will disappear in less than 50 years. Meanwhile, we often find ourselves enjoying the luxury of sitting in very comfortable spaces and reflecting on topics that may at times seem theoretical. But when we listen to the urgent cry of people in different parts of the world - whether due to poverty, injustice, climate change, or a number of other causes - we realize that we are not merely reflecting on theoretical matters but that an urgent response is needed.
This is a concrete situation that I hope we all take very seriously. It echoes the call that Pope Francis issued to the whole Church and to the world ten years ago in Laudato Si, reminding us that responding to the cry of the earth is part of our faith commitment. We cannot be passive.
Therefore, I certainly hope that through Bishops' Conferences, Ecclesiastical Provinces, and Continental Conferences, we can address some of these very specific issues and make a difference. I think the Church has a voice, and we need to be courageous in raising our voice to change the world and make it a better place.”
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Read: Report and question from North America
Q: What would you say to bishops and priests who are concerned that synodality may diminish their authority as pastors? How can we better understand and promote co-responsibility, accountability and transparency in our dioceses and parishes?
Holy Father:
“Thank you very much. The question refers to what is happening in Canada and the United States, which, interestingly enough, even in these days, as we are sitting here, are experiencing great difficulties. Two countries that were once considered among the closest of allies can, at times, grow distant from one another. This is yet another example - another proof - of why synodality, listening and dialogue are so important, and how they have concrete applications in our daily lives.
Referring to the specific question, I would like to return to an expression that Dr Susan used a few minutes ago, when she spoke of "pace and scale," reminding us that not all things move at the same rhythm or speed and that there are indeed differences.
One of the disagreements that apparently many of you experienced - judging by your reaction when the question was asked - is the concern among some pastors or bishops that their authority may be diminished. Apparently some of you have had that conversation, let us say. I would like to invite all of you, as we were invited during the Synod sessions, to reflect upon what synodality is about, and to invite the priests, particularly even more so than the bishops, I think, to somehow open their hearts and take part in these processes.
Oftentimes, the resistances come out of fear and lack of knowledge. Every person who has reported so far from his or her region has listed formation as a priority. And I think we have to be very clear and sincere about the importance of formation on every level.
Sometimes, ready-made answers are given without the proper, necessary preparation in order to arrive at the conclusion that maybe some of us have already drawn, but others are not yet ready or capable of understanding. Without proper formation on every level - whether in schools, seminaries, ongoing formation programs, adult formation for the laity, etcetera - there are going to be resistances and a lack of understanding.
I think that, at least to a certain extent, we have to understand that we do not all run at the same speed, and sometimes we have to be patient with one another. Rather than having only a few people running ahead and leaving many others behind - which could even cause a rift in the ecclesial experience - we must seek ways, sometimes very concrete ones, to understand what is happening in each place, what the resistances are or where they come from, and what we can do to increasingly encourage the experience of communion in this Church, which is synodal.
So with that, I think that the concrete reality - understanding within the American, United States culture - is that many structures which already exist have great potential for being synodal. We must find ways of continuing to transform them into more inclusive kinds of experiences. Whether on pastoral councils, or in other diocesan structures or gatherings, the inclusion of people - men and women, laity and clergy, women and men religious, etcetera - can help all to take part and feel a deep co-responsible sense of belonging, leadership and accountability in the life of the Church. Obviously, there are challenges, but I think some significant steps have already been taken, and hopefully that will continue. Thank you”
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Read: Report and question from the Council of Eastern Catholic Patriarchs
Q: In our Eastern Churches, taking into account our specificities, and in the Latin dioceses, what are the urgent changes and fundamental conversions to which we are called in order to truly put synodality into practice in our participatory bodies at the parish, diocesan level and in the Eastern synods, as well as in our formation bodies (seminaries, novitiates, formation of young people and lay people, Catholic schools and universities...)?
Holy Father:
“Could I begin by saying that - without excluding any other region of the world - if there is a place in the world today that really needs signs of hope, it is in the Middle East. I think that we all wish to be that sign of hope.
One of the signs of hope, which I think is very significant, which has been mentioned once or twice, and which is definitely a sign of the presence of the Holy Spirit, is the gift of enthusiasm. We find this in the Churches of the Middle East and also among those Christians in the diaspora - because unfortunately, so many Christians have had to leave their homes and emigrate to other parts of the world. In them, we find that the gift of faith gives them the strength, endurance, courage they need to continue to go forward, even after many times having lost everything.
I think that it is at those times when we as the Church need to be united and come together to be that authentic sign of hope, but also a very real expression of Christian charity, a fraternal love, a care for one another, especially for those people who have had everything taken away from them because of the destruction of war and hatred among us.
I think that the challenges in the Middle East, which the Oriental Churches have continued to take on and to move forward with, are something that we need to understand more in the West, if you will. As we look at synodal processes, we need to understand that there are also significant differences between the Latin Church and the Eastern Churches, and we need to respect those differences.
I think that is the first step in any community, in any human organization: if we do not respect one another, we will never begin to know one another, and therefore never truly come to know one another.
I think there are a number of things that we can talk about, as you mentioned in your question. But again, formation is obviously part of the answer, which we have mentioned already a couple of times - on every level. "Conversation in the Spirit," to understand that taking part in a synodal process is taking part in the Church, and that we need to learn, first and foremost, to listen to the Holy Spirit in many different ways and to take part in a spiritual journey. Just as so many of your people have had to journey, we need to understand that our hearts can remain open to the Holy Spirit only if we recognize, live and experience the importance of prayer - the importance of a spiritual life, both individually and in community, in our parish communities, our religious communities and in different kinds of gathering. In that way, we can continue to grow in the ability to listen to one another and to discern the best ways to move forward.
I think there is so much that we need to pray for in terms of finding the strength to accompany you and your people; to truly witness to Jesus Christ, as you were saying: in the land where he was born, lived, martyred and rose from the dead - the ultimate sign of all of our hope; to be true promoters of pardon and reconciliation, which are so necessary; and to learn that in pardoning and working towards reconciliation, we can indeed build greater unity among all peoples. “
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Read: Report and question from Latin America and the Caribbean
Q: How can the synodal path process animate and inspire our new societies to be more inclusive, just and constructors of the world?
Holy Father:
“Thank you very much for the report, for all that is being done in Latin America in this process and long before.
I believe the Church should be very grateful for the many things we have learned from Latin America. The gift of faith, the enthusiasm, the spirit of communion, which in many cases is part of the very culture of the peoples who are traditionally—truly—very united and who have—let's say—transformed this gift—of communion, of brotherhood of brothers and sisters—into an experience that expresses itself very well in the Church and that teaches many of us to continue on an authentically synodal path.Now I will say something that has nothing to do with what I have just said, but which perhaps concerns the command as such. y no I want to offend, I say it firsthand. Personally, when someone asks: "How can a process help inspire us?", I say that a few times I returned to my life, I felt inspired by a process. I am inspired by people who live life with enthusiasm. I think you came these days with the synodal team, but I will live in the Jubilee. And I think it's very important to understand that the Jubilee is an invitation to conversion, to reconciliation and to the new life that we receive from Jesus Christ.
And living this spirit —and we're talking about the spirituality of synodality—but it's the spirituality of the Gospel, of communion, of wanting to be Church. These are aspects that can truly inspire us to continue being Church and to build paths of inclusion, inviting many more people—everyone —to accompany us, to walk with us. And so I believe it's crucial in all of this that we all experience an authentic conversion and discover in our hearts, through all the elements we've discussed, an authentic spirituality that begins with listening to the Word of God, discerning the presence of the Spirit, where the Holy Spirit is calling us, and sharing this experience through methods such as conversation in the Spirit. Experiencing that closeness to Christ himself can kindle in our hearts the desire to be disciples, faithful missionary disciples on the journey.
When we live with this enthusiasm, with this conviction, we will see that many more people will truly want to join us and be builders of peace and communion. Thank you”
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Read: Report and question from Europe
Q: What hopes can women legitimately harbor in a synodal Church? Do you believe that a genuine cultural shift is underway in the Church, one that will make equality between women and men in the Church a lived reality in the future?
Holy Father:
“Thank you, Professor, for your comment and also for this question. I'll begin with two very personal experiences, starting with my own family. I grew up in a Catholic family where my mother, and my father, both, were very, very active in the parish. Years ago, when there was a lot of talk in the United States—I'm talking about the 1970s—about equality between women and men, I said to my mother, "Do you want to be equal to men?" And she said, "No, because we're already better!" And she certainly wasn't joking. There are so many gifts that women have, which they could offer even then in many ways, in the life of the family, the parish. Not just my mother, but many but many women.
A second experience comes from Peru, where there is a congregation of religious women, consecrated women, whose charism is to work where there are no priests. They have the power to baptize, to assist at weddings. They do wonderful missionary work, which truly is a witness for many priests as well. This is the courage it takes to proclaim the Gospel, and they are women who do it!So, regarding the question, leaving aside the more difficult issues, which are part of the work of a study group that's being presented, I think the problem isn't that there aren't any possibilities, but that there are cultural obstacles. And this must be acknowledged, because not all bishops or priests want to allow women to exercise what could very well be their role. There are cultures where women still suffer because of differences—as if they were second-class citizens, so to speak—and don't actually always have the same rights. So there's a challenge for the Church and for all of us, to see how we can
Together, we must promote respect for the rights of all; how can we foster a culture where these things become not only possible, but a reality, in the co-participation of all, each according to their own vocation, where everyone can exercise—let's say—a role of responsibility in the Church. We have seen many practical examples. But the reality is that culturally, not all countries are at the same point as Europe or the United States... And we cannot simply assume that by appointing a woman here or there to this or that position, she will be respected, because there are strong cultural differences that create problems. And so we need to talk about how the Church can be a force for conversion, the transformation of cultures, according to the values of the Gospel.
Unfortunately, often the way we live our faith is more determined by our culture and less by our evangelical values! This is where we can all be a force, an inspiration, an invitation to our nations, our communities, our cultures, to reflect on the differences that exist, and not just between men and women. In many countries, there are still differences based on class or rank in society: one cannot be appointed to such an office because others will reject him... There are prejudices and discriminations that exist and that clearly go against the Gospel, and we are often powerless in the face of these realities.So there's certainly much to do. I believe the Church already offers opportunities to begin and continue this journey, and here too, we must be courageous, accompanying situations and realities so that, little by little, perhaps we can introduce changes, transformations in these cultures, where authentic discrimination can be eliminated and they can become communities where the gifts and charisms of each person are truly respected and valued. Thank you!”
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Read: Report and question from Asia
Q: What message would you like to share with the Churches in Asia to encourage synodal conversion?
Holy Father:
“The first thing that comes to mind is that I would like to say "thank you" to the Church in Asia. If anyone faces challenges - because of language and cultural differences, geographical distance, poverty, and many other realities that you confront - yet has worked as hard as you have and has arrived where you are today in living this process not only of synodality but also of promoting communion and conversion, then I think we all should say thank you and congratulations to you.
You said dialogue is essential for peaceful coexistence. I think that, because of many interreligious realities - realities that are not unique to Asia, of course, but are so widespread - given that, with the exception of the Philippines, if I am not mistaken, Christianity is a minority everywhere, to face the challenges that come with living the faith and being disciples of Jesus Christ, including in places where there is oppression and it is difficult to live the faith, I think there are many things before which we all need to bow down and respect the holy ground that Asia is for the present and future of the Church.
There is a sense of mystery and an understanding of the divine that is, I think, part of many of the religions in Asia, and this certainly opens the door to different kinds of interreligious dialogue. I think this is a treasure for the whole Church: Eastern and Western. I also believe it is something that is valued by many cultures in Asia, and something from which we also, I think, could learn.
Because of this, when we talk about the spirit, about the spirit of synodality and about "Conversation in the Spirit," there is, if you will, a mystical or contemplative element to it that perhaps we can continue to discover. I do not say "understand," because I think it goes far beyond understanding. But there is a contact with the divine from which we can all learn, including from many in Asia and in the East.
There are, of course, great challenges: the structural and economic realities that you deal with, and the difficulty of promoting even basic communication on a wide scale because of the limitations within the local Churches. These are realities that I think we need to confront together. I think that this synodal experience of building communion should inspire all of us, if you will, to be more generous in sharing resources, so that we can have perhaps greater equality and greater justice, even in the distribution of the goods and material blessings that many churches could share with others. Obviously, there are great challenges in doing that, yet, there are great efforts being made to do that already, of course, which should be recognized. It is an ongoing process.”
A Feast for All Peoples - Small Group Resources
Our Resource: A Feast for All Peoples our new small group resource is aimed to support groups in exploring pathways to synodality through scripture, the Final Document and Conversations in the Spirit.
School for Synodality’s Podcasts
Our Resource: The School for Synodality’s book club in 2025 and webinars in 2023 are available to listen on Apple Music, Amazon podcasts, Spotify, Podbean, and iHeart Radio.
Exploring with guest speakers how to become a listening Church, and what the practice of Synodality looks like in our own communities.
Series Two - Reading the Final Synod Document
We are delighted to be able to offer our successful Book Club Webinars that were held in May and June 2025 as a series of six podcasts in which we explore the Final Document of the Rome Synod assembly. In this series, Dr Avril Baigent one of the co-founders of the School for Synodality, is in conversation with experts from around the world to help us unpack the Synod Final Document.
Avril was invited to participate in the Synod as a facilitator in the final session of the Synod on Synodality that took place in October 2024. Over the six episodes, we will be exploring some of the key themes of the final document, which, although beautiful and profound, can at times, be a little dense and inaccessible. Experts will help us through each section, enabling us to better understand its fruits born of the participation of the global church for our own parish and community contexts.
Full list of episodes:
The Heart of Synodality – Jos Moons SJ
The Conversion of Relationships – Professor Anna Rowlands
The Conversion of Processes – Dr Estela Padilla
The Conversion of Bonds – Professor Cathy Clifford
Forming a people for Missionary Discipleship – David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul
A Feast for All peoples – what next for our Church? – Archbishop Jason Gordon
Listen to all episodes on your favourite platform:
Series One - Practising Synodality
During the first Synod assembly of the 2021-24 Synod that took place in Rome in October 2023, there was a renewed focus on the potential of Synodality in our Church.
During this time the School for Synodality ran a series of eight webinars exploring becoming a listening Church with speakers from both England and Wales and from across the world that can help us explore what the practice of Synodality looks like in our own communities.
Full list of episodes:
‘Thinking about power and trust’ - Ciaran Beary & Fr Kevin O'Driscoll
‘Best and worse practices’ - Fr Matthew Nunes and Fr Phillip Inch
‘Discerning the Signs of the Times’ - Sarah Adams
‘The art of listening - hearing all the voices’ Sr Ngozie
‘Group Discernment’ - Mauricio Lopez
'A European Perspective’ - Geert De Cubber
‘Becoming a synodal community’ - Prof Anna Rowlands
Recommended: World Map of Synodality
Recommended Resource: The Vatican Secretariat of the Synod are compiling a map of Synodality around the world, as seen on their website.
Recommended: A global overview of the implementation of synodality in local churches
Recommended Resource: Sr Nathalie Becquart xmcj has shared an interim ‘global mapping’ document of synodality so far around the world, including SfS, published June 2025
Implementation phases of the Final Synod Document
Recommended Resource: Resources relating to the implementation phase of the Final Synod Document.
Image credit: Synod Va
The Synodal Process was always designed in phases, aiming to support the journey of synodality into church teaching. Phase one was the ‘Consultation of the People of God’, Phase two the ‘Discernment of the Pastors’ (which included the two Synod Assemblies 2023-2024) and finally the third phase - ‘The Implementation for a Synodal Church’.
The guiding document for phase three is the Final Document from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly (officially called ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’).
This document is beautiful and inspiring, but also can be rather technical in places. Our Synod Document resources are designed to help you explore this in more depth.
Useful Resources from the School for Synodality
All of our resources are designed to help support the synodal conversion of the Catholic Church in our day to day practice, as laid out by the Final Synod Document. You can explore all of our resources here, we suggest starting with the three below:
Implementation Phase for Synod - ‘Pathways’ Document
Image credit: Synod Va
The Pathways Document by the Synod Secretariat aims to offer local Churches throughout the world both a shared framework that will make it easier to walk together, and to promote the dialogue that will lead the whole Church to the Ecclesial Assembly in October 2028. It answers these questions:
What is the implementation phase and what are its objectives?
Who will participate in the implementation phase? What are their tasks and responsibilities?
How to engage with the Final Document during the implementation phase?
What method and tools can help shape our path during the implementation phase?
Towards the Assemblies 2027-28 - Document
Image credit: Synod Va
The General Secretariat of the Synod have published a document as a guide for local churches, called Towards the 2027–2028 Assemblies: stages, criteria, and tools in preparation for the 2027–2028 Assemblies’. The worldwide Synodal Assemblies planned for the coming years constitute a decisive step in the implementation of the Synod.
The implementation phase does not introduce additional tasks alongside the ordinary life of communities; rather, it orients and renews that life from within. The indications offered here are intended to help give more concrete form to the process already underway, by specifying the involvement of the local Churches and of the different spheres of ecclesial communion.
Final Document from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly
Recommended Resource: The Final Document of the XVI Assembly is now available to view in various languages, along with an accompanying note from Pope Francis.
The Final Document, called For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ is available in English, and in the official versions in Italian (original version of the Document), Czech, Spanish, Portuguese and French translations.
The Final Document is also available in the following languages: Arabic (only the document), German, Hungarian (only the note and the document), and Polish.
Note of the Holy Father Francis to accompany the Final Document of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, November 2024, read it here >>.
Final Document: ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’
Contents List from the Document:
Abbreviations.......................................………………………………............. 1
Accompanying note by the Holy Father Francis........…………....... 3
Introduction....…………………………………………………………………..….5
Part I - The Heart of Synodality
Called by the Holy Spirit to Conversion ............................................. 9
The Church as the People of God, Sacrament of Unity ......................................................... 9
The Sacramental Roots of the People of God ...................................................................... 11
Meaning and Dimensions of Synodality .............................................................................. 13
Unity as Harmony ................................................................................................................ 15
Synodal Spirituality.............................................................................................................. 17
Synodality as Prophetic in Today’s World .......................................................................... 18
Part II - On the Boat, Together
The Conversion of Relationships ............................................. 19
New Relationships................................................................................................................ 19
In a Plurality of Contexts ..................................................................................................... 20
Charisms, Vocations and Ministries for Mission................................................................. 21
Ordained Ministers at the Service of Harmony.................................................................... 25
Together for Mission............................................................................................................ 27
Part III – “Cast the Net”
The Conversion of Processes ................................................ 30
Ecclesial Discernment for Mission ...................................................................................... 30
The Structure of the Decision-making Process .................................................................... 32
Transparency, Accountability and Evaluation ..................................................................... 34
Synodality and Participatory Bodies .................................................................................... 36
Part IV - An Abundant Catch
The Conversion of Bonds................................................ 39
Firmly Rooted yet Pilgrims .................................................................................................. 39
The Exchange of Gifts.......................................................................................................... 42
The Bonds of Unity: Episcopal Conferences and Ecclesial Assemblies ............................. 43
The Service of the Bishop of Rome ..................................................................................... 45
Part V - “So I Send You”
Forming a People for Missionary Discipleship........................................ 49
Conclusion
A Feast for All Peoples................................................................................ 53
Appendix
1st General Congregation. Opening address (2 October 2024) ............... 57
17th General Congregation. Final greeting (27 October 2024) .................. 61
Book Club - Reading the Final Synod Document
Our Resource: The School for Synodality’s Book Club explores key aspects of the Final Document with key guest speakers, taking us through chapter by chapter.
‘Reading the Final Synod Document Together’-
the School for Synodality’s Online Book Club
After four weeks of listening, discerning and writing in October 2024, the final day of the Rome Synod Assembly brought a dramatic surprise from Pope Francis - that the recommendations of the Assembly would become Church teaching. The three year listening process was over, and it was now time to get on with implementing it.
The Final Synod Document (officially ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission’) is our guide to the implementation, and while beautiful and inspiring, can be rather technical in places (episcopal conferences and Vatican dicasteries, anyone??).
To enable us to reflect on the document in more depth, the School for Synodality organised an online bookclub with a stellar cast of experts in May and June 2025. Each week, the School for Synodality’s Director Avril Baigent unpacked a different section of the Final Synod Document, reflecting on its theological and practical implications, with time for questions afterwards.
Below are individual session recordings, with reflection questions and suggested reading. You could bring together some in your parish and study this together in small groups? There have been many approaches to these rich insights that we hear about - please do contact us and share how you are discovering and using our book club resources!
Part 1: The Heart of Synodality
Understanding the theological roots of what we are about
- With Dr Jos Moons SJ
Part 2: The Conversion of Relationships
Mission and ministry in a changing world
- With Professor Anna Rowlands
Part 3: The Conversion of Processes:
Discernment, decision-making and accountability
- with Dr Estela Padilla
Part 4: The Conversion of Bonds: The geeky week
- with guest Prof Cathy Clifford
Part 5: Forming a People for Missionary Discipleship
We need everyone in the boat
- with guests David McCallum SJ and Sandra Chaoul
Part 6 Conclusion: A Feast for All Peoples:
What next for our Church?
-with Archbishop Jason Gordon
Recommended: ‘How to be a Synodal Church in Mission’ - Westminster Diocese
Recommended Resource:The Diocese of Westminster has put together a collection of key quotes from the Final Document: “An Informal Reaping of the Fruits”