Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.I, Archbishop of Luxembourg, has been chosen to serve in the role for the next synodal assembly.
Vatican City (08/07/2021 09:33, Gaudium Press) – The Holy See released on Thursday morning, July 8, the name of the new relator general for the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops appointed by Pope Francis.
Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, S.I, Archbishop of Luxembourg, was chosen to serve in the role for the upcoming synodal assembly, on the theme “Towards a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation and Mission.”
This will be the first decentralized Synod: it will also take place in the dioceses worldwide. Scheduled to begin in October, the synodal journey will last three years, articulated in three phases: diocesan, continental and universal. The conclusion of the Synod will take place in October 2023 in Rome.
What is a relator general?
One of the main functions of the relator general is the presentation of a report previously sent to the General Secretary. The report, delivered at the very beginning of the synodal assembly, indicates the subjects in the agenda, ‘Working Document or “Documentum laboris,’ and the topics for discussion.
Throughout the work of the assembly, the relator general presides over the preparation of the Final Document, which will be submitted to the synod fathers for approval, and presents it to the General Congregation.
In addition, the relator general is responsible for announcements during the meeting, summarizing topics and clarifying specific points, and explaining the progress of the preparation of the Final Document.
Brief Biography of Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich
Born on August 9, 1958, in Differdange, Luxembourg, Jean-Claude Hollerich joined the Society of Jesus in 1981 and was ordained a priest in 1990. On July 12, 2011, he was appointed by Pope Benedict XVI as Archbishop of Luxembourg and ordained bishop in October of the same year.
In 2018 he was invited to preside over the Commencement. On September 1, 2019, Pope Francis announced his creation as Cardinal at the October 5 Consistory, thus becoming the first Cardinal coming from Luxembourg. (EPC)
Compiled by Gustavo Kralj
