Pope Addresses Synod Unexpectedly

VATICAN CITY, OCT. 7, 2005 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI spoke unexpectedly during the Synod of Bishops, offering a reflection on the sacrificial dimension of the Eucharist.

"The Holy Father wished to contribute to the fraternal spirit" at the end of the session of free interventions on Thursday, according to a news bulletin issued by the synod's General Secretariat.

A synod spokesman, Isidro Catelli, said today that the full contents of the Holy Father's 10-minute, spontaneous intervention would not be published immediately.

Catelli did say that the Pope spoke about the theology of the Eucharist with the knowledge he has as a former university professor.

ZENIT learned that the Pope's talk might be published once the transcription is revised by the Pontiff himself.

Father Giorgio Constantine, spokesman of the synod to Italian-speaking journalists, said in a briefing that "it was a wonderful intervention, of a great theologian, perhaps the first papal intervention in a synod's free discussion."

Adoration

Father Constantine also disclosed that Benedict XVI has decided to propose an hour of Eucharistic adoration in St. Peter's Basilica. The adoration will be led by the Holy Father himself on Monday, Oct. 17, from 5-6 p.m.

Legionary of Christ Father John Bartunek, spokesman for English-speaking journalists, said Thursday the Pope is participating with much attention in the synod's works.

On Thursday he arrived equipped with the working papers in a black briefcase, equal to the one given to all the synod participants.

Benedict XVI sits in the central chair of the synod's new hall, and at times greets the synodal fathers, or thanks them at the beginning and end of each session.

During coffee breaks, the Pope meets with the synod's working groups, which are divided by languages. In past days he spoke with members of the French-speaking groups, and today he spoke with the Spanish-speaking groups.