In October 2021, Pope Francis announced a Universal Synod on the theme of synodality. Its official title is 'For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission.' Following two years of preparation, listening and dialogue at diocesan, continental and universal level, more than 360 people gathered in Rome to participate in the first of two synodal assemblies planned for this Synod. This first session took place from 4 – 29 October 2023. The second session is scheduled for October 2024.
For the first time in the history of the Synod of Bishops, 70 non-bishop members also participated in the synodal assembly as voting members. Bishop Brendan Leahy from the Diocese of Limerick and Bishop Alan McGuckian from the Diocese of Raphoe were the two bishop nominees of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference who attended the first session.