Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

The Synod of Bishops has emphasized the transformative power of listening, as shared by four synod members with U.S. university students in Rome. Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the relator general of the synod, addressed approximately 140 students from 16 Catholic universities in the United States and a small group from Germany, Austria, and Switzerland. The gathering took place on October 18 in the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall.

Cardinal Hollerich stressed that "the person with a different opinion is not an enemy," encouraging a shift away from divisive thinking towards finding common solutions as part of humanity. He remarked on the contrast between synodal thinking and political divisions observed during U.S. elections.

Maltese Cardinal Mario Grech, general secretary of the synod, responded to concerns about whether listening sessions reached enough people. He expressed his disappointment when it is suggested that only a small percentage of Catholics were involved, emphasizing that outreach for the 2021-2024 synod was broader than ever before and continues to expand.

Company of Mary Sister Leticia Salazar highlighted how learning to listen deeply can transform individuals. She described how members come together to share experiences and realize their unity within the church despite differences in culture and perspective.

Bishop Daniel E. Flores of Brownsville, Texas, one of the synod's presidents delegate, discussed questions he faced regarding potential changes to church teaching through these sessions. He clarified that "the aim of synodality is for the sake of the mission" which involves announcing the Gospel while understanding people's realities.

Bishop Flores emphasized that listening goes beyond words; it involves understanding underlying experiences and longings for belonging and communion. He referred to this sharing as a sacred gift while also stressing fidelity to Catholic tradition and Scripture through prayerful listening to "the voice of those who have gone before us."

He concluded with trust in divine guidance: "I trust the Holy Spirit," noting that despite historical challenges within the church over two millennia, faithfulness to its teachings endures.