Panel: ECCLESIAL INEQUALITIES AND OPPORTUNITIES IN A SYNODAL CHURCH



65_2.2 - PROPHETIC LISTENING AT THE BORDER

AUTHORS:
Sastoque A. (Loyola University Chicago ~ Chicago ~ United States of America)
Text:
This paper explores the concept of synodality within the Catholic Church in the context of migration, political polarization, and rising nationalism. While synodality is promoted as a process of humility, open dialogue, and shared discernment, its actual response to migrants and refugees raises a key ethical question; does it truly listen to marginalized voices, or does it merely manage disagreement without challenging unjust structures? The paper argues that migration serves as a critical test for synodality, requiring the Church to practice prophetic listening, where migrant voices are not only heard but also interrupt established theological and political frameworks. Drawing on political and migration theology, as well as Catholic social teaching, it critiques selective ecclesial listening, which often aligns with exclusionary political ideologies, and proposes an authentic prophetic listening that confronts injustice and demands ethical transformation. In conclusion, the paper states that a synodal Church must engage in transformative listening to maintain its prophetic mission of justice and hope in a broken world.