On October 2, 2015, concerns regarding the potential manipulation of the then-upcoming Ordinary Synod rippled throughout the Catholic Church. Archbishop Di Noia's revelations, combined with the previous year's Extraordinary Synod, prompted fears that the foundational teachings on human sexuality, marriage, and family were threatened by internal agendas.
The Unease Following the Extraordinary Synod
The Catholic community had been unsettled since the Extraordinary Synod, with allegations of manipulation stemming from experienced Vatican correspondents and high-ranking church officials. The possibility that the synod was steered to favor specific outcomes was further cemented by the Voices of the Family's detailed analyses and public statements from influential cardinals.
Consistent Leadership, Consistent Concerns
With Cardinal Baldisseri and Archbishop Forte still at the helm, the continuity of positions did little to assuage fears of further tinkering with the Ordinary Synod's direction, especially when the prior handling of press briefings by Fr. Lombardi S.J. and comments by Fr. Rosica seemed to follow a non-neutral narrative.
Challenging the Instrumentum Laboris
The Instrumentum Laboris, serving as the foundation of the Ordinary Synod's discussions, faced scrutiny for allegedly undermining Catholic doctrine on sexuality. Even as conjectures circled, Pope Francis confirmed its role in the 2015 Synod's dialogues.
Call for Transparency
Enigmatic adjustments to procedures and the opaque selection process for small group memberships were among the tipping points for concern. The lack of forthrightness from Cardinal Baldisseri regarding these modifications and their implications for the synod cast a longer shadow over the event.
Voting Protocols and Final Report Drafting Worries
The integrity of the synod's voting process was called into question, particularly whether the stipulations for the majority vote as outlined in Article 26 § 1 would be honored. The composition of the committee responsible for drafting the final report, which included several known dissenters, had many dreading predetermined outcomes.
Supervision or Manipulation
The revelation that those accused of previous manipulations, Cardinal Baldisseri and Archbishop Forte, would be part of the committee overseeing the synod sparked disbelief and further suspicion among the faithful and clergy alike.
The Journey Ahead for the Catholic Church
As the Catholic Church navigates through these tumultuous waters, the Synod symbolizes a greater journey—a pilgrimage of faith and doctrine that must remain devoted to its timeless teachings. Just as travelers seek truth and beauty on their voyages, the Church's pursuit of spiritual integrity in the face of potential manipulation remains a journey of utmost importance to Catholics around the world.