Pope Leo XIV called for a renewed missionary spirit within the Catholic Church during a major gathering of synodal leaders, emphasizing that closeness to Christ is the key to fostering peace and communion in a wounded world.

The Pope’s address on Thursday came at the Jubilee Pilgrimage for Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, a three-day event held from October 24-26 that brought some 2,000 delegates to the Vatican’s Paul VI Audience Hall. The participants, including bishops, priests, and lay members from diocesan and national synodal teams worldwide, are central to implementing the Church’s ongoing synodal process.

The three-day gathering aimed to translate the orientations of the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops into concrete pastoral and structural choices that reflect the synodal nature of the Church.

Before a personal encounter with the Pope, the assembly heard from four resource persons on topics of synodality. Pope Leo then listened attentively to reports on the synodal journey from different continents, offering tailored responses to each region.

He commended the Church in Africa for its “missionary spirit and vitality,” urging continued work for unity and peace. For Oceania, he pointed to Pope Francis’s encyclical Laudato Si’ and called for concrete action on climate change and injustice. Addressing the Americas, he stressed the “importance of ongoing formation” for all members of the Church to build harmony.

Speaking to the Church in Asia, the Pope expressed “profound gratitude and admiration” for its perseverance amid linguistic, cultural, and economic challenges, and for its witness of faith in largely non-Christian contexts.

Responding in English, Italian, and Spanish, Pope Leo then centered his message on the spiritual core of the synodal mission.

“To live that closeness with Christ Himself that can ignite in our hearts the desire to be faithful missionary disciples,” the Pope said. “When we live with that enthusiasm and conviction, many more will want to join us and be builders of peace and communion.”

The delegation from Myanmar, including Bishop John Saw Yaw Han, Vice President of the National Synodal Team, and Rev. Fr. Hyginus Myint Soe, the team’s secretary, expressed deep gratitude for the experience.

“I am joyful and grateful to participate in this event,” said Fr. Hyginus. “Listening to different experiences from across the world encouraged me to work as a missionary of synodality.”

Bishop John Saw Yaw Han noted the universal emphasis on formation. “I take special note of the Holy Father’s emphasis on the importance of formation at every level,” he said.

The pilgrimage included a spiritual highlight on Thursday, as participants passed through the Holy Door of St. Peter’s Basilica, a ritual act marking grace and renewal. While most delegates will conclude their journey with a Papal Mass on Friday, the Myanmar delegation will travel to Assisi to pray for peace in their conflict-ridden homeland.

Reflecting on the event, Fr. Hyginus connected the pilgrimage to the broader synodal path. “As we journey together in the spirit of synodality—walking, listening, and discerning—this pilgrimage reminds us that the Church’s path is one of participation, communion, and mission.”

By RVA Sgaw Karen Service