Cardinal Aguiar Retes hopes that Pope Francis will write a forceful post-synodal exhortation

Cardinal Carlos Aguiar Retes, Primate Archbishop of Mexico, spoke with ACI Prensa about his experience as delegate president of the Synod of Synodality, from which he expects a “forceful and hopeful” post-synodal exhortation.

The two sessions of the Synod held in Rome have been, according to the cardinal, an opportunity to “positively” share the various experiences of a process that began in October 2021 and will continue until 2027, for the update of the last Diocesan Synod. of 1994.

The cardinal highlighted that what was transferred from the Conference of the Mexican Episcopate (CEM) to those participating in this Synod is the result of the pastoral visits made to 420 parishes, as well as the proposals of the Parish Pastoral Council and what was reflected with the faithful and young people. of the parishes.

He also considered that this year “last year’s conclusions have been clarified and better understood,” while specifying that “the methodology has improved.”

Alluding to his homily at a Mass celebrated in St. Peter’s Basilica in the Vatican together with the members of the Synod, the Cardinal stressed that there are different “presences and behaviors” that “criticize and hinder the application of synodal life.”

In statements to ACI Prensa, Cardinal Aguiar explained that, within the ecclesiastical sphere, there is usually a “resistance to continue” and he pointed out especially to the parish priests.

“The traditional model of waiting for the faithful in the parish temple, leaving aside going out to the environments of their territory to promote the closeness and participation of present institutions and lay organizations,” he specified.

Regarding the social sphere, he stressed that a presence in “digital life” is necessary and that behaviors that call into question “the synodal, missionary and merciful application of the Church” must be avoided.

He also stated that one of the fundamental challenges is for all participants to “promote and collaborate in their own diocesan, national and continental responsibilities.”

Regarding the debate on giving episcopal conferences the power to make liturgical, disciplinary and even theological decisions, the cardinal clarified that “an in-depth discussion” has not taken place during the Synod.

Rather, he added, “the services of the Dicasteries and the permanent need to share these possible disciplinary decisions with the episcopal conferences have been clarified.”

He also stated that there has been reflection on establishing some concrete ways in which the communities of the Church can evaluate their leaders”, noting that it must be done “in the specific councils established by Canon Law, on the Episcopal and Diocesan Economic Councils, and in the respective parishes.”

Cardinal Aguiar Retes also indicated that the task of the General Secretariat of the Synod is to establish a permanent “synodal path” in the Church, since “its mission does not end with the Synod in Rome.”

Likewise, he reiterated that controversial issues – such as women’s access to the female diaconate or the possible ordination of married men – have been entrusted to specific Commissions “which have referred their reflections and proposals, which the majority consider, we will leave in the hands of the Holy Father for your knowledge and decision.”

In conclusion, he expressed to ACI Prensa his hope that Pope Francis, after receiving the final document, “can give us his post-synodal exhortation in a clear, forceful and hopeful way.”