Report from Irish Bishops who attended Universal Synod – October 2023

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.

A short report of their experience is available here

A more in-depth report of their experience is available here.

Bishops Alan and Brendan also recorded an interview with iCatholic.