Synod of Bishops, Week 1: Suspended Between Pastoral Despair or the Decision to Hope
Archbishop Charles J. Chaput of Philadelphia gave probably the best description of the Synod’s Working Document – and by extension of the Synod’s discussion so far. In his October 7 speech at the Synod, published on the archdiocese web site – Archbishop Chaput said that the working documents “present us two conflicting views: pastoral despair or the decision to hope.” The Synod Fathers’ sentiment after one week has been swinging between these two poles. Pope Francis’ role Pope Francis has taken the floor two times in this first week. His first, planned speech was given at the opening of the Synod. In that spee