Pope, in Peru, discusses his vision of synodality

November 14, 2026

Pope Leo XIV discussed his vision of synodality during an address (video) at a Marian shrine in Chiclayo, the see of the Peruvian diocese he led from 2014 to 2023.

The Pontiff delivered his address at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace on November 13, the eighth day of his apostolic journey to three South American nations (program). During his visit to the shrine, the Pope met with bishops, priests, men and women religious, seminarians, synodal teams and pastoral councils; an estimated 5,000 people gathered inside and around the shrine.

Synodality, said the Pope, “means walking together, listening, discerning and participating as co-responsible members in the mission. We therefore ask ourselves: how can we become a more synodal and missionary Church?”

Pope Leo—who led the diocese first as apostolic administrator (2014-15), and then as bishop (2015-23)—continued:

At the foundation lies our bond with Christ, rooted in Baptism. We all know that Baptism is the foundation of our Christian identity. Through it, we are incorporated into Christ, made children of God, members of the Catholic Church and sharers in her mission. Before any service, office, profession or ministry, we are baptized. Our primary identity is that of sons and daughters of God and members of his chosen people.

As baptized persons, we all share in the priesthood of Christ and in his prophetic mission; therefore, the entire community is co-responsible for evangelization. Baptism entails a permanent vocation to listen to the word, embrace the faith, live charitably, participate in the life of the community, proclaim the Gospel and serve others, especially the poor and the outcast.

“The first witness that any Christian community must give is the fraternal love that exists among its members, thereby reflecting the Most Holy Trinity,” the Pope said. “For this reason, communion must precede mission.” He explained:

The communion of the Church, which makes her a sign and instrument of union with God and of the unity of the human race, is not uniformity. Authentic communion values the diversity of cultures, vocations, charisms and ministries as a richness, and promotes them. Along these lines, authority within the Church must be exercised in the forms of service, discernment and appreciation of charisms and initiatives, since the participation of the laity is not a concession but an expression of their baptismal dignity.

A synodal Church, moreover, shares the joys and hopes, the griefs and anxieties of humanity, especially of the poor and those who suffer, as the Second Vatican Council teaches. Listening to social and cultural realities; defending human dignity; accompanying families, young people, migrants, indigenous peoples and those living in poverty; and working for justice, peace and the common good are not optional tasks, they are requirements of our ecclesial mission.

“Brothers and sisters, I encourage you to discover ever more fully the beauty of being synodal communities,” the Pope added. “How? By seeking to ensure that everyone plays a part, as living stones in a spiritual building, according to the different vocations and the many gifts and ministries inspired by the one Holy Spirit. This requires a spirituality founded on prayer, listening to the word, participation in the Holy Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, fraternal dialogue and communal discernment.”

Pope Leo conceded that “it is easy to speak about synodality, but putting it into practice is a challenge and requires everyone to examine their attitudes and conduct, beginning with the pastors, who are the primary servants of the community.” To that end, he called for the “revitalization” of consultative pastoral councils (such as parish councils) in each Catholic community.

The Pontiff concluded by calling for a “return to the spirit of prayer, which is so important in our lives. Whether we are bishops, priests, consecrated men and women, or laypeople, we must cultivate a life of prayer so that we may always remain united to Christ.”

 

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Further information:

• Apostolic Journey to Peru: Meeting with the Bishops, Priests, Men and Women Religious, Seminarians, Synodal Teams and Pastoral Councils (Dicastery for Communication - Vatican Media, 11/13/26)
• Meeting with Bishops, Priests, Consecrated Men and Women, Seminarians, Synodal Teams and Pastoral Councils at the Shrine of Our Lady of Peace (Holy See Press Office, 11/13/26)
• Pope in Chiclayo: 'Our primary identity is as sons and daughters of God' (Vatican News, 11/13/26)