Vatican Pool
A bishop's biretta cap is seen at St Peter’s Basilica during Pope Francis mass for the Synod of Bishops opening on October 10, 2021 in Vatican City, Vatican. Pope Francis celebrated Mass at St Peter’s Basilica for the solemn opening of the Synod of Bishops, which will take place in three stages over the next two years.

NEWS ANALYSIS: Some local Catholics registered their views, but low turnout and confusion over the purpose of the synod raised questions about the value of the process.