Vatican revises synod process, beginning with local consultation Cardinal Christoph Schonborn of Vienna, center, and bishops from around the world walk in procession from St. Peter's Basilica at the start of the Synod of Bishops for the Amazon at the Vatican in this Oct. 7, 2019, file photo. Pope Francis has approved a revision of the process for the celebrations of the Synod of Bishops, emphasizing the need to expand reflections and consultations on a diocesan level. CNS photo/Paul Haring Vatican revises synod process, beginning with local consultation By Cindy Wooden, Catholic News Service May 21, 2021 VATICAN CITY -- Approving the revision of the entire process of the Synod of Bishops, Pope Francis has asked that it begin with serious, widespread consultations with laypeople on the diocesan level.