Cardinal Reinhard Marx Praises CCBI Synodal Journey as ‘Impressive and Inspiring’

New Delhi, August 28, 2025: Cardinal Reinhard Marx, Archbishop of Munich and Freising, has hailed the Synodal Process undertaken by the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) as an “impressive and important work” that reflects the vitality and missionary spirit of the Indian Church.

 

In a recent message addressed to the members of the CCBI dated 15 August, Cardinal Marx expressed deep appreciation for the final document of the 36th Plenary Assembly of the CCBI, describing it as a landmark in the synodal process in India.

 

“Even though the documents cannot give a deeper insight into the meetings and process of joined action, one can still feel the optimistic spirit and the will to start something new,” Cardinal Marx wrote. He praised the CCBI for focusing not only on an abstract process of renewal but also on concrete themes such as ecumenism, ecology, migration, women, and youth.

 

Drawing parallels with the German synodal journey, the Cardinal observed: “The context and the language may differ, but my impression is still that we are bound together in a worldwide process of transforming the Catholic Church into a more synodal and more missionary Church.”

 

Looking ahead, Cardinal Marx described the global synodal journey as a promising moment for the Church, affirming that Pope Francis has already made clear that he will continue and even deepen this process.

 

The CCBI, which represents the Latin Catholic Church in India, engaged thousands of faithful, clergy, and religious across the country in its synodal consultations. The final document of the 36th Plenary Assembly has been widely acknowledged as a testimony to the listening, discernment, and missionary commitment of the Latin Catholic Church.

 

By Stephen Alathara