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Sir, Although your leading article on Pope Francis (“The Jesuit Pope”, Apr 22) presents a fairly even-handed summary of his strengths and weaknesses, it is striking that it omits to mention what may prove to be his most significant, radical and long- term contribution: the restoration of “synodality”. Synodality, which effectively means everyone working towards a common goal, enables all of the baptised to participate more fully in the life of the Church and offers a very different model for communication, consultation and decision-making. As Cardinal Timothy Radcliffe OP puts it: “Everyone should be heard. The art of holiness is to hear well, not so as to reply but so as to learn. That is what synodality is all about.”
