Jean-Claude Hollerich: A completely new chapter has begun in the Church

As the main relator of the synod of bishops, the Luxembourg Cardinal played a key role in bringing harmony to the voices from all over the world by the end of the discussions. Megújul.hu conducted an interview with him in Rome, where he shared that he also needed a synodal conversion.

– What is the role of the main relator of the synod of bishops?
– This person is responsible for drafting the final document. Of course, I did not write the entire text alone. First, it would hardly be possible; second, it wouldn’t be a very synodal act. Several people worked on drafting the text, summarizing everything discussed at the tables by the members and experts during the synod. Every thought and perspective had to be considered in this document. My task afterward was to validate the text and ensure its correctness. On more challenging topics, I had to ensure a proper balance. The main realtor acts as a mediator representing impartiality. This means not belonging to any group, not taking sides in debates, but striving to ensure all parties can recognize their thoughts in the final document. Essentially, this was my main task.

– It seems you did your job well, as during the final vote, all 155 points received a significant majority of „yes” votes, with some points even achieving 100% approval. This indicates that the final document accurately reflects the thoughts of the synod’s members.
– Moreover, I noticed that most participants were satisfied with the new methodology of the synod of bishops. While there were differences of opinion in several cases, with significant minority viewpoints emerging, all points were approved by more than a two-thirds majority of the participants.

The synod is not based on democracy, where a decision would only require 50% plus one vote. Each issue must reach a broader consensus, requiring at least a two-thirds majority for acceptance.

– You were not only the main relator of the synod, but also an active participant. Many might wonder whether the synodal process initiated by Pope Francis in 2021 has concluded, or if it must continue within our local communities. What are you bringing home, and has the synod changed you?
– Over the past years, I too had to walk the path of synodal conversion. During the synod, I had to listen attentively to hear every voice and experience what Pope Francis described as the Holy Spirit creating new harmony. In this harmony, there are many instruments and melodies. Sometimes, some instruments play one melody while others play another. As the relator, I had to listen to all of them. We must undergo conversion to truly listen to each other – not just to do a good job, but to listen with genuine empathy, knowing that the Holy Spirit speaks to everyone, not just the majority. This synodal conversion has been a great lesson for me. Even when tensions arise, they are like different parts of a symphony.

Tensions are necessary for a beautiful melody to emerge in the end.

– Expectations regarding the synod have been high from both religious and secular sides. Many hoped for major changes, such as optional celibacy, women’s ordination, or addressing LGBTQ+ issues. Some may be disappointed with the perceived lack of specifics in the final document. What would you say to those who expected more than the participants delivered?
– It’s important to be cautious with expectations, because this synod of bishops was about synodality from the very beginning. It was not a synod on church governance or primarily focused on homosexuality. These issues were only addressed as deep as they related to synodality, but solving any specific problem was not the goal this time. The Church must indeed face these challenges – and it must do so synodally, in the way defined by the synod of bishops. Bishops must listen to everyone involved, but they still have the freedom to disagree with various perspectives. However, if disagreements arise, they must explain their decisions in a way people can understand. I am convinced that the mentioned topics must be addressed, though I don’t know what the solutions will be. After all, I am just one soul and cannot see the whole picture alone. We must also remember that many of these issues are primarily European concerns. A proper synod, however, involves the entire Church, which cannot focus solely on Europe. I read that a central figure among German Catholics was deeply disappointed with the synod’s decisions. But I ask: what did they expect?

This synod clearly showed that the center of the Church is no longer Europe. In fact, there is no single center. As Pope Francis said, we must think regionally.

Different regions – South America, Asia, Europe, North America, Africa, Oceania – have different needs and challenges. This is why the final document had to remain open-ended on several points. For example, when discussing the structures of episcopal conferences, they won’t be uniform. Latin America already has CELAM (Consejo Episcopal Latinoamericano), and their church leaders have come a long way together. They have structures, but need to renew them, to work in a more simple way. In Europe, we are only in the beginning of this process. In Asia, it will be challenging to progress due to the diversity of cultures and religions, but they are also working on structural development. Canada and the U.S. hardly have such structures, while Africa is just awakening. This illustrates the Church’s diverse internal situations.

– When the organizers of this synod of bishops announced the list of participants, confirming that women, lay people could participate and even have voting rights, it caused an uproar. Some questioned whether such an event could still be called a synod of bishops. Was it a good decision to open this door?
– It was a very good decision. Our task as bishops is to serve the People of God. The Church includes people who are not bishops, and their representatives reminded us during the synod that we are bishops of a Church they also help build.

The Church cannot decide without the bishops, but the bishops cannot decide without the Holy People of God.

We’ve clearly received something different from this synod than when Pope Paul VI introduced it. But Paul VI foresaw that the synod he established carried the potential for development; he wrote this himself. And it has developed: remember that this current synod has involved the entire People of God over three years. Then, last October and this October, we held two sessions of the synod of bishops within this synod. The members of this synod of bishops couldn’t just decide out of thin air; they had to work based on the guidance given by the Church’s members. They had to listen to what people had said. The synod of bishops deliberated and voted based on what the People of God articulated during these three years. A completely new chapter has begun in the Church.

Written by István Gégény