Bishop Brian Farrell, LC, was appointed Secretary of the Pontifical Council for Promoting Christian Unity in 2002. He said that synodality aims for “a hugely increased participation of the whole people of God in the life, the governance and mission of the Church.”

“This is vital from an ecumenical point of view, because the over-centralization of the Church has been an obstacle recognized by every pope since Vatican II,” he said. “If the process is successful, I think there will be a different appreciation of the Catholic Church, which will be very beneficial in the search for Christian unity.”