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

Three years after initiating a synodal journey for Catholics worldwide, Pope Francis emphasized the need for the church to remain dynamic and missionary. During his homily at the closing Mass for the Synod of Bishops on October 27 in St. Peter’s Basilica, he stated, “We cannot remain inert before the questions raised by the women and men of today, before the challenges of our time, the urgency of evangelization and the many wounds that afflict humanity.”

Pope Francis warned against becoming a "sedentary church," which risks blindness and comfort with unease if it withdraws from life. He delivered his message seated in front of St. Peter’s Basilica’s newly restored 17th-century baldachin.

Cardinal Mario Grech was the main celebrant under this gilded bronze canopy. The pope received a final document approved by over 350 synod members on October 26, advocating increased lay participation in church life.

The pope decided not to publish an apostolic exhortation following the synod due to "already highly concrete indications" in this document, which he ordered published.

In his homily, Pope Francis called on the church to avoid "blindness" regarding issues within both church and world contexts. He urged listening to those seeking Gospel joy as well as those who have turned away or are indifferent.

“We do not need a sedentary and defeatist church,” he said, “but a church that hears the cry of the world...a church that gets its hands dirty to serve the Lord.”

Reflecting on St. Mark's Gospel reading about a blind man healed by Jesus, Pope Francis highlighted following God involves hearing His call and confidently walking His path together.

At Mass end, Vatican workers placed St. Peter's Chair before the main altar after restoration work. In prayer before it from his wheelchair, Pope Francis described it as “the chair of love, unity and mercy."

Afterwards, he prayed with visitors in St. Peter’s Square asking them to pray for continued progress post-synod.