Leo XIV Not Looking for Uniform Model: Differences Depending on Bishops' Conferences
"Most resistance and fears come from people who view synodality from the outside. When they have the opportunity to experience it and see its fruits, they change", she claimed.
According to Sr Becquart, Leo XIV made it very clear that the Church is not looking for a uniform model: "Synodality will not consist of a model where everyone and every country says: This is how it must be done."
Sr Becquart knows that Leo XIV wants to respect what she calls "local reality": "There are many ways of being Church, and no single model of ecclesial life should be imposed."
The Pope wants "openness to the new" and "expressly demanded that the different regions not all move at the same pace and sometimes be patient with one another" [in a time when the whole world has become a village].
For Sr Becquart, the example of the permanent diaconate shows that there is legitimate diversity in the Church depending on the context: "It was left to the bishops' conferences and individual bishops to decide whether to introduce it."
Having permanent deacons is not a problem in Europe and North America, whereas there are almost none in Asia and Africa.
"We will probably even see greater diversity in ministries according to local needs", she warned.
Picture: Nathalie Becquart, © wikicommons, CC BY-SA, #newsVyibwzluxz