VATICAN CITY, MAY 12, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI confirmed the dates of the next world Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist, to be held in Rome this October, reported the Vatican.
The convocation of the episcopal summit, to be held Oct. 2-23, was launched by John Paul II, and confirmed by Benedict XVI in the first message of his pontificate, read in the Sistine Chapel April 20, the day after his election.
The theme of the synod was chosen by John Paul II: «The Eucharist, Source and Summit of the Life and Mission of the Church.»
The Vatican press office reported today that Benedict XVI also confirmed John Paul II’s appointments regarding the president delegates: Cardinals Francis Arinze, prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments; Juan Sandoval, archbishop of Guadalajara, Mexico; and Telesphore Toppo, archbishop of Ranchi, India, will rotate as president, even if the Pope is present, the Vatican press office announced Saturday.
According to the synod’s methodology, the cardinals rotate in the assembly’s presidency, even if the Pope is present.
Other appointments include Cardinal Angelo Scola, patriarch of Venice, as general rapporteur, and Archbishop Roland Minnerath of Dijon, France, as special secretary.
The general rapporteur summarizes converging points arising from the participants’ addresses. These points are then discussed in separate, small groups.
The general rapporteur and the special secretary collect the list of propositions voted on by the synodal fathers, which is then given to the Pope, who writes an apostolic exhortation.
The preparation of the synod is made by the general secretary of the Synod of Bishops, Archbishop Nikola Eterovic of Croatia, in the form of a working document.
