On Thursday, Pope Francis urged the Italian Church to proceed with the synodal process bravely and resolutely, respecting above all the potential existing in its parishes and Christian communities.

In the Paul VI Audience Hall, where the Italian Bishops' Conference (CEI) had just ended its 77th General Assembly with an emphasis on the synodal process in preparation for the 2021–2024 Synod on Synodality, the Pope spoke to the bishops and diocesan representatives of the synodal route in Italy.

The process is a singular spiritual experience of conversion and renewal, the Holy Father noted in his opening remarks, and it can make ecclesial communities more missionary and better equipped to evangelize today's world.

He, therefore, provided four recommendations in response to some inquiries submitted by the CEI Permanent Committee regarding the pastoral priorities for the Italian Church, how to overcome objections and concerns, and the participation of clergy and lay people as the Italian Church completes the two-year listening phase and enters the discerning phase.

Walk in Accordance To The Holy Spirit
The first instruction he offered was to continue walking following the Holy Spirit, constantly serving the Gospel and encouraging the creativity and freedom of individuals who share the good news of God's love by remaining rooted in what is fundamental.

According to the Pope, a Church that is burdened by formalities, bureaucracy, and procedures will find it difficult to meet the men and women of our day while walking through history in pace with the Spirit.

Unified Church
The second piece of advice the Pope offered was to "make the Church together," or to increase ecclesial co-responsibility by including all those who have been baptized in the work and life of the Church, as the Second Vatican Council had urged.

The Pope emphasized that church ministry can never be carried out alone. This is true for bishops, whose ministries are inextricably linked to those of priests and deacons, as well as for priests and deacons themselves. It also holds true for the entire baptized community, in which each member walks side by side with their brethren and sisters in the light of the one Gospel and the Holy Spirit.

Church Accessible To All
The third idea stressed by Pope Francis was the importance of having a church that is accessible to all and willing to hear the opinions of those who have experienced harm in their lives, including those of young people, women, the poor, and disenchanted people.

The Pope underlined that The Synod calls us to become a Church that lives cheerfully, modestly, and creatively in our time, conscious of our common vulnerability and mutual need.

Be A Church That Reaches Out To Everyone
The final piece of advice from Pope Francis was to be a 'Restless Church' that accepts the challenges of our day and knows how to reach out to everyone to share the pleasure of the Gospel without bias.

The Holy Spirit Fosters Peace and Unity
Pope Francis concluded by urging the Italian Church to continue on this path together while putting their faith in the Holy Spirit, who is the main character of the synodal process. He is the one who makes people and communities more receptive to listening, who makes discussion genuine and fruitful, who enlightens discernment, and who guides decisions. Pope Francis concluded that He is, above all, the One who fosters peace and unity throughout the Church.