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(L) Pope Francis takes part in a moment of reflection for the opening of the synodal path for the 2023 Synod on Synodality at the Vatican’s New Synod Hall Oct. 9. (R) Pope Francis celebrates Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica opening the worldwide synodal path, Oct. 10, 2021.

COMMENTARY: The opening day Oct. 9 suggested problems in the first moments of the planetary process: participation, process and previous controversies.