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In March 2020, Pope Francis announced that the theme for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023 would be “For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission”.

The journey towards the celebration of the Synod opened in October 2021 in dioceses around the world and Pope Francis has invited the entire Church to reflect on this theme that is decisive for its life and mission. All Catholics are invited to take part in the diocesan consultation process to promote a sense of communion and journeying together.

In May 2022, Australian dioceses published local reports on their consultation process. Based on those reports, and using content for the Fifth Plenary Council of Australia relevant to the Synod, the National Centre for Pastoral Research prepared the Australian synthesis. The synthesis will support the ongoing work of the Synod of Bishops’ General Secretariat in the lead-up to the gathering of bishops in Rome in October 2023.