The Synod begins today, 4 October, the day of the Feast of St Francis and the work will continue until 29 October. The 21 new cardinals created in the Consistory of 30 September and the entire College of Cardinals also concelebrated today's opening Mass in St. Peter's Square.
There will be 464 participants in the Synod, including 365 members, 54 women who for the first time have the right to vote, 20 delegates from the Eastern Churches and the two Chinese bishops of papal appointment.
On the afternoon of 4 October, the first General Congregation will be held in the presence of the Pope. In total, there will be 21 General Congregations.
There will be 35 smaller groups, divided into five languages (English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French), which will run from 5 to 29 October.
