Irish bishops welcomed the recent announcement by Pope Francis that the theme of the synod in October 2022 will be “For a synodal Church: communion, participation, and mission”.

In Limerick address, Archbishop Diarmuid Martin questions the lack of progress in developing a new covenant between Church and State and also calls for “a radical new look at the formation of future priests”.

Jesuit theologian Fr Gerry O’Hanlon argues that a synodal form of church at all levels is urgently needed to salvage the Catholic faith in Ireland.