According to a Vatican official, "until now, since a synod is an event of and for the bishops, priests, religious, and lay people attending could only speak upon request and on an issue previously assigned. This is the first time that they will have the opportunity to address a message to the Synod fathers."
According to Cardinal Schotte, four hours in total will be reserved at the end of this week to give an opportunity to the 41 invited auditors to give a six-minute talk. The speakers will be scheduled in the order in which they submit the full talk and a 25- line summary to the presidency of the Synod.