Who is going to the Amazon synod?

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Gerry and I take a look at who has been invited to the synod on the Amazon region. Who decides who goes to a synod, and what kinds of people do they look for? We talk about several of the high-profile guests and the viewpoints they will bring to the synod hall next month.

Next up, we examine some of the plans that the German bishops are making for a national “synodal journey,” a meeting of bishops and lay people that will cover challenging topics like power and authority in the church; sexual morality; the priesthood, including mandatory celibacy; and the role of women in the church, including the possibility of expanding their roles in ministry.

Finally, Pope Francis addressed the United Nations summit by video this week, saying world leaders have not gone far enough to implement the Paris Agreement to limit greenhouse gas emissions and slow climate change. We take a look at the particulars of Pope Francis’ stance on climate change and his encouragement of young climate activists.

Links from the show:

• Vatican releases list of participants for Synod on the Amazon
• Why can’t women vote at the Synod on Young People?
• Vatican officials offer guidance for German church ‘synodal journey’
• Pope Francis implores global community to do more on climate change