BY: DM
Published 6 days ago
In a first for Vatican diplomacy, We Are Church International (WAC) — a global Catholic reform coalition — will take part in the Vatican’s upcoming Holy Year Jubilee for synodal groups from Oct. 24–26, including time with Pope Leo XIV. A press release obtained by Outreach revealed that eight WAC delegates will visit Rome to “meet with Pope Leo XIV and pass through the Holy Door,” part of the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies during the 2025 Holy Year.
“To us, this is a positive sign that confirms the Church is listening to everyone,” the press release stated. “Along with many hundreds of delegates from around the world, we look forward to hearing Pope Leo XIV deliver his address. But we are clear that no special meeting will take place with the pope and our group.”
Let’s examine WAC’s history and why its inclusion in the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies is so important.
WAC believes the Catholic Church should be more inclusive.
Founded in Rome in 1996, We Are Church grew out of a large 1995 laity referendum in Austria to reform the Church on Vatican II principles. The group’s mission is “the renewal of the Roman Catholic Church on the basis of the Second Vatican Council.” WAC has since become a network of national reform organizations in over 20 countries worldwide. It prides itself on representing what it calls the “voice of the people in the pews” — lay Catholics who believe the Church should become more inclusive and democratic.
WAC’s platform calls for major changes in Church practice and governance. According to Attitude, the group actively campaigns for equality within the Catholic Church. This includes full participation of women, LGBTQIA+ Catholics, and married believers. Its goals include shared decision-making (even electing bishops and parish leaders), allowing a choice of celibate or married priests, and a positive, life-affirming approach to human sexuality. WAC has endorsed blessings for same-sex couples and lifted women’s leadership.
The Jubilee allows for lay voices to be heard.
According to Nashville Catholic, the late Pope Francis called for the Jubilee meeting in October as part of his Synod process. Before his death in April, Francis made reform and lay participation central to his papacy. His successor, Pope Leo XIV — formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost of Chicago and elected as the first U.S.-born pope in May — is continuing that vision.
However, Leo has also made clear his caution on some issues. He has insisted marriage remains “between a man and a woman,” even as he agreed to uphold Vatican policies on blessing same-sex couples.
WAC hopes to use the October Jubilee to press its agenda. Christian Weisner and WAC chair Martha Heizer said the group looks forward to “hearing Pope Leo XIV deliver his address” to all delegates. But WAC is clear on not having a closed-door session with the Pope. Instead, the strategy is to speak up during the synodal proceedings and make public statements.
Should the Catholic Church allow more lay participation in decision-making, like electing bishops or parish leaders? Comment below!
