“The fruits of the synodal process under way are many, but so that they might come to full maturity, it is necessary not to be in a rush,” Pope Francis said on October 16, following his Angelus address.

“Therefore, in order to have a more relaxed period of discernment, I have established that this Synodal Assembly will take place in two sessions,” he continued. “The first from 4 to 29 October 2023, and the second in October of 2024. I trust that this decision will promote the understanding of synodality as a constitutive dimension of the Church, and help everyone to live it as the journey of brothers and sisters who proclaim the joy of the Gospel.”