For the first time in history, lay women and men will vote in the Church's upcoming Synod on Synodality.
The Vatican released the full list of participants for October's Synod, which ranges from cardinals, college students, refugee activists, theologians and scientists.
The list of nearly 400 particpants hailing from every continent includes 70 lay men and women and a special emphasis on young people.
CARD. MARIO GRECH
We need to listen to the youth, because they are not only the future but they are the present.
SR. NATHALIE BECQUART
We can't be a synodal Church without the young people as we can't be a synodal Church without the women.
The list also includes 50 people specifically appointed by Pope Francis, featuring some he made cardinal such as Cardinal McElroy of the United States.
The diverse group of Synod participants will gather in Rome for nearly a month to discuss how to move forward together as one Catholic Church.
AT
