VATICAN CITY, MAR. 15, 2001 (Zenit.org).- The world synod that will study the figure of the bishop is scheduled for Sept. 30 to Oct. 27.
For almost a month, bishops will discuss with John Paul II the ministry of «The Bishop, Servant of the Gospel of Jesus Christ for the Hope of the World.» Following the Second Vatican Council, synods have analyzed different states and ministries within the Church. What has been missing is an analysis of the figure of the diocesan pastor.
The Vatican Press Office revealed the names of the bishops who will be moderators of the sessions.
As has been the case with other synods, there will be three presidents delegated by the Pope from different continents. They are three recently created cardinals: Italian Cardinal Giovanni Battista Re, prefect of the Vatican Congregation for Bishops; Cardinal Bernard Agre, archbishop of Abidjan, Ivory Coast; and Cardinal Ivan Dias, archbishop of Bombay, India. They will take turns presiding over the synodal sessions.
John Paul II entrusted the delicate task of general relator to another new cardinal: Archbishop Edward Egan of New York. Cardinal Egan will announce the topics for discussion at the beginning of the synod, and summarize the expositions and proposals stemming from the addresses given at the synod´s general assembly.
The Pope appointed Italian Bishop Marcello Semeraro of Oria as the synod´s special secretary.
