Synod closes with strong emphasis on eucharistic renewal

Published: 2005-10-24

VATICAN CITY (CNS) -- The Synod of Bishops closed with a strong call for eucharistic renewal, urging a deeper understanding of the Eucharist among the world's Catholics but no major changes in church rules on priestly celibacy or shared Communion. Pope Benedict XVI, who presided over the three-week assembly, formally closed the synod Oct. 23 with a Mass in St. Peter's Square. He thanked the more than 250 bishops for their input and invited Catholics to contemplate the Eucharist as the key to revitalizing their faith. Catholics should also understand that "no dichotomy is admissible between faith and life," he said. The pope expressed his deep sadness that four Chinese members of the synod were not allowed to travel to Rome for the assembly and said the church in China was still on a "suffering path." On Oct. 22 the synod handed the pope a list of 50 propositions, or final recommendations, which acknowledged a priest shortage in some parts of the world but said eliminating priestly celibacy and ordaining married men were not the solution.

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