Pope Francis appoints 17 new members, including two women, to the General Council of the Synod

Pope Francis has made significant appointments to the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, as announced on December 13. Among the new members are two women: Sister Simona Brambilla, Secretary of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life, and María Lía Zervino, President of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations. These appointments represent a break from tradition, as papal appointees are no longer required to be bishops.

The Council, which now comprises 17 members, will play a key role in preparing for the next synodal assemblies. Alongside Brambilla and Zervino, notable appointees include Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich of Luxembourg and Cardinal Roberto Repole of Turin. The members will serve a term running from the conclusion of one assembly until the next, with the primary responsibility of preparing and implementing the Ordinary General Assembly.

The Council is set to convene for its first virtual meeting on December 17, where it will continue to shape the synodal process and discussions on church governance, inclusivity, and participation. This new direction aligns with Pope Francis’ ongoing push for reform within the Church.