Background on the Synod of Bishops

The Synod of Bishops is an international gathering of bishops at the Vatican. Bishops meet at the Pope’s request to provide counsel on important questions currently facing the Church, in a manner that preserves the Church’s teaching.

In 2014 and 2015, Pope Francis welcomed bishops, clergy and lay experts from around the world for two Synods focused on issues relating to the family and evangelization. These were important moments of dialogue, reflection and consultation for our global family of faith. The results of these two events are brought together in the apostolic exhortation, ​“Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love).

• ​October 8, 2013: ​Pope Francis convened the Synod of Bishops on topics related to the family and evangelization.
• October 5-19, 2014: III Extraordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family was held on the theme of the pastoral challenges of the family in the context of evangelization.
• October 4-25, 2015: XIV Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on the Family was held on the theme of vocation and mission of the family in the Church and in the contemporary world. Cardinal Collins participated in this Synod.
• April 8, ​2016: Pope Francis released the post-synodal apostolic exhortation, ​entitled “Amoris Laetitia” (The Joy of Love).

Download: Infographic on the Synod of Bishops timeline