9/21/2019
Bishop McElroy’s Statement on being Appointed by Pope Francis to Participate in the Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region

(SAN DIEGO) – Recognizing the unique ministerial and ecological challenges of the Pan-Amazonian Region of South America, Pope Francis will convene a Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops to take place in Rome from Oct. 6 to Oct. 27, 2019. Three Americans have been appointed to participate as “Synodal Fathers”: Cardinal Kevin Farrell, who heads the Vatican Dicastery (Department) for Laity, Family and Life; Cardinal Archbishop Sean O’Malley of the Archdiocese of Boston and Bishop Robert W. McElroy, Bishop of San Diego:

“I am deeply humbled that the Holy Father has appointed me as a Synodal Father for the next Special Assembly of the Synod of Bishops for the Pan-Amazonian Region.

“This Synod will deliberate upon critically important issues in the life of the Church, which center upon both the richness and the challenges of the Catholic communities of the Amazon, as well as fundamental questions of pastoral and theological depth that touch the Church throughout the world.

“I look forward to joining with Pope Francis and all of the participants in the Synod and I am immensely hopeful that this gathering will be a great grace for all men and women of faith and for the well-being of our planet.”