Study Group 6[1] carried out its work, in a synodal spirit, by forming three thematic subgroups:
I. Relations between Bishops and Consecrated Men and Women
II. Collaboration between Episcopal Conferences and Conferences of Major Superiors
III. Relations between Ecclesial Associations and Local Churches
Over the past months, these three subgroups have engaged in dialogue among their members, Bishops, Consecrated Men and Women, and Laymen and Laywomen, from diverse geographical areas and backgrounds. Their work was guided by shared reflection on the relationships among Pastors, Consecrated Life, and Ecclesial Associations, drawing on selected Magisterial documents and the direct experiences of the members themselves.
Subgroups, or certain members within them, felt it was essential to broaden the scope of listening and sharing by seeking input from Bishops, representatives of various forms of Consecrated Life, and delegates of AFMENC (Associations of the Faithful, Ecclesial Movements, and New Communities).
Specifically:
- subgroup I[2] faced the most challenges. Nonetheless, its members were able to present their work to Conferences of Bishops and Consecrated persons of their region, sharing with the group both the requests and challenges they encountered, while valuing the unique contributions of each participant;
- subgroup II[3] developed a trilingual questionnaire, which was distributed to the continental Conferences for Consecrated Life. These bodies offered valuable input in response to the challenges of fostering a more synodal collaboration between the Conferences of Major Superiors and the Episcopal Conferences;
- subgroup III[4] conducted interviews with several Bishops and Moderators of AFMENC. From their responses, key aspects of the relationship between Pastors and AFMENC were identified. The aim was to apply a “synodal” methodology of listening to reality, capable of highlighting challenges, current practices, and practical guidelines.
Each of the three subgroups has already prepared a summary report, which has been submitted to Group 6. The group met in 26 July 2025 to discuss how best to continue the work in the coming months.
The main objective going forward is the drafting of the Group’s final report, based on the contributions of the three subgroups and shaped through interaction among all members, following a synodal style. During this final phase, special attention will also be given to further listening to and involving representatives of Consecrated Life, particularly the Unions of Superiors General (UISG and USG), as well as the relevant Dicasteries.
Coordinator: H. Em. Card. Joseph William Tobin, C.Ss.R.
[1] Until April 2025, Cardinal Robert Francis PREVOST, O.S.A., served as member of Study Group 6 in his capacity as Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops. On 8 May 2025, he was elected Pope, taking the name Leo XIV. Dr. Serenella DEL CINQUE (Italy), also took part in the work of the Group, serving as Executive Secretary.
[2] H.E. Msgr. José ORNELAS, S.C.J., Bishop of Leiria-Fatima (Portugal), Subgroup Leader; H.E. Msgr. Paulus Budi KLEDEN, S.V.D., Archbishop of Ende (Indonesia); H.E. Msgr. Sebastião MASCAREHNAS, S.F.X., Bishop of Baroda (India); Fr. Dinh Anh Nhue NGUYEN, O.F.M. Conv. (Vietnam); Sr. Sharon Ann EUART, R.S.M. (USA); Dr. Serenella DEL CINQUE (Italy).
[3] Sr. Maria Sidonie OYEMBO, C.I.C. (Gabon), Subgroup Leader; H.E. Msgr. Ryan Pagente JIMENEZ, Archbishop of Agaña (India); H.E. Msgr. Lizardo ESTRADA HERRERA, O.S.A., Auxiliary Bishop of Cusco (Peru); Fr. Benedict KANAKAPPALLY, O.C.D. (India); Fr. Armin Altamirano LUISTRO, F.S.C. (Philippines); Sr. Gloria Liliana FRANCO ECHEVERRI, O.D.N. (Colombia).
[4] Dr. Emanuele COLOMBO (Italy), Subroup Leader; H.Em. Card. Grzegorz RYS, Archbishop of Łódź (Polond); H.E. Msgr. Elias FRANK, Bishop of Asansol (India); Dr. Patricia BAINBERG (Argentina); Dr. Shayne BENNETT (Australia); Dr. Elisa LISIERO (Italy).