The European conference on synodality, held in Wels, Austria, concluded by identifying baptism, listening, relationships, and a new culture of leadership as key areas for the future of the Catholic Church. According to Vatican News, conference chair Klara Csiszar proposed establishing a “European Church Forum for Interpreting the Signs of the Times” to connect local experiences and explore new forms of synodal cooperation.
The three-day symposium, titled “Shaping Synodality in Europe,” ran at Schloss Puchberg near Wels and brought together 187 participants from 31 countries, ranging from Portugal and Iceland to Ukraine. Attendees worked in 21 table groups utilizing the “Conversations in the Spirit” method featured during the global Synod on Synodality. Each day opened and closed with liturgies and prayers, with the final prayer led by Frère Matthew, Prior of the Taizé Community, as reported by Vatican News.
Theological Insights and Secularization in Europe
Keynote presentations at the conference examined the theological and social realities facing modern European Christianity. Prague theologian Tomáš Halík described European secularization as an ambivalent process that has weakened institutional influence while promoting freedom of conscience and severing ties between religion and political power. According to Halík, losing social privileges serves as a purification process that guides the Church toward dialogue within a pluralistic society.
Pastoral examples presented by Gabriele Eder-Cakl highlighted how local churches navigate migration, ecumenism, digital lifestyles, and an increasing number of young people seeking baptism. Later in the program, Jesuit theologian Christoph Theobald emphasized the equal dignity of all baptized individuals as the theological foundation for shared responsibility. Canon lawyer Myriam Wijlens added that existing provisions in canon law already permit greater participation by lay people and women in leadership and decision-making roles.
Addressing the Wounds of Europe and Defining a Roadmap
Discussions also centered on what organizers termed “the wounds of Europe,” including war, displacement, polarization, loneliness, abuse, and religious alienation. Csiszar contrasted these hardships with a collective longing for peace, community, dignity, and justice. Drawing from table-group reports, Csiszar outlined several pillars for a European roadmap, emphasizing that baptism should form the basis of shared dignity and active responsibility within parishes.
Listening emerged as another critical theme for the European Church. Csiszar noted that attentive listening requires allowing oneself to be interrupted by the actual concerns of everyday people. Parishes will remain vital spaces for fostering hospitality, closeness, and community trust as the Church moves forward with its synodal path.
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