VATICAN CITY — The second session of the Synod of Bishops on synodality will begin by asking forgiveness for sins on behalf of all the baptized.
As synod members did before last year’s session, they will spend two days on retreat before beginning work; that period of reflection will conclude Oct. 1 with a penitential liturgy presided over by Pope Francis in St. Peter’s Basilica.
The liturgy will include time to listen to the testimonies of three people: one who suffered from the sin of abuse, one from the sin of war and a third from the sin of indifference to the plight of migrants.
Afterward, “the confession of a number of sins will take place,” said a Vatican statement. “The aim is not to denounce the sin of others, but to acknowledge oneself as a member of those who, by omission or action, become the cause of suffering and responsible for the evil inflicted on the innocent.”
The sins confessed will include: sins against peace; sins against creation; sins against Indigenous populations and migrants; the sin of abuse; sins against women, family and youth; the sin of “using doctrine as stones to be hurled”; and sins against poverty.
The liturgy is specifically geared toward young people, the Vatican said. “Indeed, it will be the young people present in the Basilica who will receive the sign that the future of the Church is theirs.”
