The report is the conclusion of the work carried out by one of the 10 study groups created by Pope Francis in 2024 during the Synod on Synodality.<\/p>\n
The final report of the Synod on Synodality study group dedicated to the poor and the earth raises the need to create an observatory on disability and to include theologians from poor regions in consultative and governing bodies.<\/p>\n
The text \u2014 published March 24 \u2014 emphasizes that listening to \u201cthe cry of the poor and of the earth\u201d is not a pastoral option but a constitutive act of faith in the mission of the Church. It identifies already existing tools such as parishes, base communities, movements, charitable organizations, and ecumenical and international networks.<\/p>\n
However, it states that social ministry cannot be delegated only to these structures, since all Christians have the responsibility to listen and respond to the needs of the poor.<\/p>\n
The report \u2014 which is not binding and will now be reviewed by Pope Leo XIV \u2014 is part of the work carried out by 10 study groups created by Pope Francis in 2024 during the Synod on Synodality. The groups are dissolved once their reports are published.<\/p>\n
Within the group on the poor, another subgroup was established, mostly composed of people with disabilities.<\/p>\n
This subgroup produced the proposal to create an international \u201cEcclesial Observatory on Disability\u201d that would establish similar bodies at the diocesan, national, and regional levels.<\/p>\n
The aim, the text states, is to use this model to \u201ccreate structures and processes for listening to other marginalized groups,\u201d including \u201cthe LGBTQIA+ community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Church has many means to listen to the cries of the poor and the earth. However, the Synod learned that women, Indigenous people, Dalits, young people, people with disability, victims of class or caste discrimination and racism, LGBTQIA+ people, those made poor, and other marginalized groups, are still asking to be heard,\u201d it states.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe need to deepen our listening and respond with transformative action. Synodality invites us to move from having means of listening to becoming a means of listening in the service of God\u2019s mission,\u201d the report says.<\/p>\n
The document also highlights the importance of the language used for people in vulnerable situations and urges that it respect the \u201cdiversity of their experience\u201d and reflect their dignity, for example through the use of \u201cperson first language.\u201d<\/p>\n
Groups for single or widowed people<\/p>\n
Another recommendation in the report is for dioceses and bishops\u2019 conferences to consider creating \u201cgroups for single parents, widows, and widowers\u201d in order to offer support and learn about their needs, and that there be deeper exploration of \u201ceffective ways of listening to those affected by war, conflicts, and violence.\u201d<\/p>\n
It also calls for ensuring the presence of vulnerable groups, women, and those coming from territories affected by climate change and conflicts in Church bodies.<\/p>\n
Greater role for the marginalized and the poor in theology<\/p>\n
The report also raises the need to include theologians from \u201cpoor, marginalized, or excluded\u201d contexts in the drafting of Church statements.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe appointment of women, people with disabilities, and people of color should be a key priority,\u201d it says.<\/p>\n
It proposes creating global networks connecting theologians with organizations working on the ground, strengthening dialogue with other Christian denominations and religions, and promoting collaboration among Catholic media, universities, and young people in order to translate theological reflection into concrete action.<\/p>\n
It suggests creating \u201cglobal networks\u201d that connect the poor \u201cwith organizations closest to the reality of the world of the poor.\u201d According to the report, the goal is to promote a theology more connected to the reality of the poor and open to intercultural dialogue and other disciplines.<\/p>\n
This story\u00a0was first published\u00a0by ACI Prensa, the Spanish-language sister service of EWTN News. It has been translated and adapted by EWTN News English.<\/p>\n