Cardinal Hollerich: Pope absolutely delighted about new role of laity in Synod

Pope Francis has taken a step towards more lay participation in the Catholic Church. In future, non-consecrated people and those who do not belong to a religious order will also be allowed to vote and deliberate. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich sees this as a "renewal" - but it is not a revolution.

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich is one of the key figures at the World Synod in October. As head of the motions commission, he and the synod head, Cardinal Mario Grech, have pushed through a small revolution. On Wednesday, Pope Francis announced that in future women and men will also be allowed to consult and vote at synods in the Vatican - even if they are not clergy or religious. The changes already apply to the upcoming synod next October, at which Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich will take on the role of "General Relator". In an interview with CIC, the Luxembourger spoke about the now announced move.

How did this change come about?

Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich: It had been thought of for a very long time. The Holy Father was immediately enthusiastic and gave his support.

Who took the initiative for the step? Was it you?

Hollerich: It was all of us together. With us, everything is done very synodally.

"I am not a specialist in canon law."

How did the number of 80 non-bishops who will be allowed to participate in the coming World Synod come about?

Hollerich: After all, there is already the rule that there are ten religious. We have simply kept that. And then the capacity of the hall sets an upper limit. So the number was given. The meeting in October is to remain an Episcopal assembly and it is clear that an Episcopal majority is needed.

The composition of the Synod is regulated in church law. Now an amendment to the relevant paragraph is pending. Will this be done via a Papal decree - a Motu Proprio?

Hollerich: I am not a specialist in canon law. But the Pope, as the supreme master of canon law, can, of course, decide on such a step. How this is done now is a matter for the canonists to discuss.

You have already experienced several Synods of Bishops yourself. Will the climate change as a result of this change?

Hollerich: I think so. It will change above all through the process and speaking to each other in the Holy Spirit. You don't just let opinions meet, but look together: What does God want from the Church today? Our common concern should be that the Holy Spirit is experienced and that we all change somehow in this process.

At the Continental Assemblies, the fact that women and non-clergy speak has changed the climate of communication.

Hollerich: Yes, that was a good thing. However, these were so-called Church Assemblies, which is something different from the participation of non-bishops in a Synod of Bishops. The Continental Assembly in Prague, for example, showed that we in Europe belong together and that we want to go into the future together as the Church in Europe. And that is perhaps easier if not only bishops are present.

"But Pope Francis has included the people of God from the very beginning.

You have said that this is not a revolution, but an important change. Is it the most important change in the almost 60-year history of the World Synod of Bishops?

Hollerich: I believe it is a renewal based on "Lumen Gentium", the central text of the Second Vatican Council on the Church. Pope Paul VI looked above all at episcopal collegiality, synod was initially equated with it. Pope Francis, however, has included the People of God in the middle from the beginning. This brings the other chapters of "Lumen Gentium" into play.

So it is a continuous process of change that is now reaching its culmination?

Hollerich: (laughs) Whether it is the crowning glory, we will see later!

*Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich is Archbishop of Luxembourg. He is in the role of "General Relator" in the synodal process of the universal Church.

Source