Grech Praises Australia's Synodal Path

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, commended Australian bishops as they chart their synodal journey.

Updated on Nov. 9, 2026 in Catholicism

Cardinal Mario Grech praised Australia for charting its synodal path while addressing Australian bishops on the final day of their Spring plenary. He also visited the tomb of Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop in Sydney on Friday.

Why it matters

The Synod process leads toward an ecclesial assembly in Rome, and Australia's Plenary Council decrees have not yet been recognised by Rome. The next phase is aimed at supporting mission across the Church in Australia.

Grech described the Holy Spirit's work over five years of the synodal process, though the source gives no comparative measure. Rome has not yet recognised the decrees of Australia's Plenary Council, and that question remains open.

The players

Cardinal Mario Grech

Cardinal Mario Grech is the Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican body overseeing the global synodal process.

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop

Saint Mary of the Cross MacKillop was an Australian nun and co-founder of the Sisters of St Joseph of the Sacred Heart, canonised as Australia's first saint.

The details

Grech visited the MacKillop tomb in Sydney on Friday before addressing the bishops at their Spring plenary. The next stages include diocesan evaluation assemblies in 2027, followed by national and continental assemblies in late 2027 and early 2028, and then an ecclesial assembly in Rome.

Friday (before 8 November 2026): Grech visits the MacKillop tomb in Sydney.
2027: Each diocese is expected to hold an evaluation assembly.
Late 2027 to early 2028: National and continental evaluation assemblies are planned.
After the evaluations: A Rome ecclesial assembly will follow.

Roadmap

Australia's synodal path is one national stage within the global Synod of Bishops process begun under Pope Francis. The process moves from diocesan assemblies to national and continental evaluations before a final ecclesial assembly in Rome.

Catholics in Australia can expect diocesan evaluation assemblies in 2027 that invite local participation in the synodal process. Those wishing to follow the national and continental stages can watch for announcements from their dioceses as these dates approach.

The takeaway

The synodal path emphasises listening and shared discernment at every level of the Church. Local parishioners can take part through their diocesan assemblies as the process develops.

What happens next

Each diocese is expected to hold an evaluation assembly in 2027, followed by national and continental evaluation assemblies in late 2027 and early 2028, and a Rome ecclesial assembly afterwards.