Abstract / DOI
Vatican II and Synodality. Cardinal Walter Kasper, who took part in many synods as a theological adviser, bishop and cardinal himself, traces the history of the synods of bishops. It goes back to the Second Vatican Council and the initiative of Paul VI. who introduced the synod of bishops as a papal advisory body. Then the text reconstructs the expectations and disappointments which were connected with the concrete practice of the synods of bishops in the last 60 years. Finally, the view is widened to include the ecumenical dimension.