NEWS & VIEWS
from a CATHOLIC perspective

      VATICAN (CWNews.com) -- The special Synod of Bishops for Asia today enters its final deliberative phase, as the participating bishops begin putting together their proposals for a final document.

      On May 1 and 2, the synod heard reports from the small groups of bishops which had been discussing the general themes raised during the first stage of the synod's work. The 11 small groups-- which had been divided according to the language used in discussions-- presented their findings to the full body of bishops, thus paving the way for final deliberations.

      The third and final phase of the synod is the preparation of a list of recommendations, which is relayed to the Pope. The Holy Father uses that document as the basis for his apostolic exhortation, which summarizes the synod's message.

      In the past, Pope John Paul II has traveled to the region covered by the synod for the formal publication of this post-synodal document. Thus, he has traveled to Africa for the African synod, to Lebanon for the synod of bishops from the country, and is planning a trip to Mexico to summarize the results of the synod for the Americas. Although the Holy Father has expressed a desire to visit Jerusalem, there has been no indication to date that such a trip could be arranged in time for this post-synodal document.