VATICAN (SE): “As Pope Francis reminded us on numerous occasions,” the purpose of synodality “is to help the Church fulfill its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth,” Pope Leo XIV said on October 24, on the occasion of the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies.
“The Church has a voice, and we need to be courageous in raising our voice to change the world, to make it a better place,” he told the participants at the October 24-26 gathering.
Pope Leo heard seven regional reports on the implementation of the 2021-2024 Synod of Bishops on Synodality—including Asia, answering questions from each representative while also taking notes during their presentations at the Pope Paul VI Audience Hall.
Father Clarence Devadass of Malaysia, a member of the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference Synodal team, presented the Asian report. He highlighted six major positive impacts of synodality on the Church in Asia: renewed emphasis on dialogue, greater empowerment of the laity, strengthening of local Church communities, spiritual renewal, increased digital engagement, and deeper collaboration and continental bonds.
[The purpose of synodality] “is to help the Church fulfill its primary role in the world, which is to be missionary, to announce the gospel, to give witness to the person of Jesus Christ in every part of the world, to the ends of the earth Pope Leo XIV
In his report, Father Devadass noted Asia is a continent marked by religious pluralism, cultural diversity, and complex social and political realities, and is fertile ground for walking together as a Church in communion, participation and mission.
“Dialogue is not optional,” he stressed, “but essential for peaceful coexistence,” noting that Christians are often in the minority, but that the synodal process has encouraged local Churches to engage more deeply with their neighbours, fostering mutual understanding and harmony.
The report noted an elevated role for laypeople in Church leadership and decision-making —especially women and young people. “By affirming baptismal dignity and charisms, it promotes inclusive participation at all levels of ecclesial life,” Father Devadass said.
Pope Leo XIV, with regional representatives of synod teams and participants in the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies on October 24.Photo: CNS/Vatican Media
He added that the synodal journey is encouraging local Churches to address “their unique challenges and experiences, leading to a more contextualised theology and pastoral approaches rooted in the lived realities of Asian communities.”
Spiritual renewal, listening, and discernment are sparking awakenings in many dioceses. Basic Christian communities are now “embracing a spirituality of communion, transforming into basic human and ecological communities.” Father Devadass noted, “Positive feedback from conversations in the Spirit continues to emerge during this implementation phase.”
Dialogue is not optional, but essential for peaceful coexistence
Father Devadass
He noted that “digital platforms have become vital tools for consultation, catechesis, and community building, especially among the young. These technologies enable broader participation and amplify voices from diverse contexts.”
He carried on, pointing out that walking together as the Church in Asia, “the synodal process has unfolded alongside the Federation of Asian Bishops Conference’s 50th anniversary, strengthening continental bonds and inspiring deeper collaboration.”
Turning to the challenges for synodality in Asia, Father Devadass pointed out the “conceptual ambiguity” concerning the term “synodality” which “remains difficult to translate and communicate” due to the diverse linguistic and cultural environments.
A second major challenge is clericalism and resistance to change. The report notes that some clergy “perceive synodality as a threat to traditional authority, creating resistance that hinders effective implementation and inclusive participation.”
…digital platforms have become vital tools for consultation, catechesis, and community building, especially among the young. These technologies enable broader participation and amplify voices from diverse contexts
Father Devadass
The urgent need for more trained facilitators and broader formation for clergy, religious, and laity was a third challenge noted by Father Devadass, who said that without this, “synodal engagement risks being superficial or misunderstood.”
A fourth challenge is Christianity’s minority status and political pressures. He noted, “in areas facing religious extremism and political constraints across Asia, public expressions of synodality are limited, affecting the Church’s ability to fully live out its mission.”
The fifth challenge is structural. “Many dioceses lack the infrastructure to sustain synodal practices,” and “embedding synodality into parish life requires structural renewal and a shift in mindset towards participatory leadership,” the priest noted.
The report said the sixth challenge concerns the poor and marginalised, who are at risk of exclusion due to “inequality, and economic and technological divides.” Father Devadass said, “Some standard reports reveal that these groups feel the Church is not working closely enough with them during this implementation phase.”
Synodality in Asia is both a gift and a task
Father Devadass
Father Devadass reported that, in addressing these challenges, many dioceses are creating long-term pastoral roadmaps based on synodal principles, with clear strategies and shared mission. Key stakeholders—including seminary rectors, religious formators, and youth ministers—are also increasingly committed to deeper formation and leadership rooted in synodality.
“Synodality in Asia is both a gift and a task,” Father Devadass concluded, observing that it offers a transformative vision for a Church rooted in communion and mission, but demands courage, creativity and commitment “to overcome some deep seated challenges.”
He added, “As Asian Churches continue this journey, our experiences will certainly enrich the global Church’s understanding of what it truly means to walk together in faith.”
Pope Leo responded by thanking the Church in Asia, noting that, in the face significant challenges it has persevered with remarkable dedication in embracing synodality and actively fostering communion and conversion.
The pope noted, “With the exception of the Philippines, Christianity is a minority in most places. The challenges of living the faith and being disciples of Jesus Christ are significant, particularly in regions where oppression makes it difficult to practice faith. Because of this, there is much for all of us to admire and respect about Asia as holy ground for the present and future of the Church.”
With the exception of the Philippines, Christianity is a minority in most places. The challenges of living the faith and being disciples of Jesus Christ are significant, particularly in regions where oppression makes it difficult to practice faith.
Pope Leo
He noted that much can be learned from the profound spiritual tradition found in many Asian religions, which is marked by a sense of mystery and a deep understanding of the divine. He said that the “openness to different kinds of interreligious dialogue is a treasure for the universal Church” —both Eastern and Western traditions.
Pope Leo said there is a need “to invite the priests, particularly, even more so than the bishops, I think, to somehow open their hearts and take part in these processes. Oftentimes, the resistance comes out of fear and the lack of knowledge.”
The pope made note of the challenges and limitations facing the Church in Asia and said these are “challenges we all need to share.”
He stressed, “The synodal journey and the building of communion should inspire greater generosity and the sharing of resources. This can lead to greater equality and justice, especially in how Churches with more material blessings can support others.”
Pope Leo said, “The people of Asia offer much hope, and I hope we can be a sign of hope for the Church in Asia together.”
