Syriac Catholic Patriarch Younan calls for greater inclusion of women, youth, and the poor at Vatican Synod

VATICAN — Under the theme For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, and Mission, the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Roman Synod of Bishops took place in the Vatican’s Pope Paul VI Hall, led by Pope Francis, the supreme head of the Catholic Church. The gathering brought together patriarchs of Eastern Catholic Churches, along with cardinals, bishops, priests, monks, and nuns from around the world.

During the assembly, Syriac Catholic Patriarch Mar Ignatius Youssef III Younan delivered a speech emphasizing the need for the Church to embrace greater openness. He stressed that women, who he referred to as the “mothers of the Church,” should be given more roles within the Church, reflecting their significant responsibility in carrying forward its mission.

Patriarch Younan also urged the Church to focus on the poor, advocating not only for providing food but also for restoring their dignity and sense of self-worth. Additionally, he called for greater engagement with young people and emphasized the importance of supporting Eastern Churches.

In his closing remarks, the Patriarch appealed for ongoing aid to churches in regions facing great challenges, particularly in Ukraine and the Middle East, to help them remain rooted in their homelands and continue their vital mission.