His Beatitude Patriarch Mor Ignatius Youssef III YOUNAN, Patriarch of Antioch for the Syriac Catholic Church, wishes to declare that the right to convoke a meeting of the General Synod belongs to the Patriarch pursuant to Canon 103 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO). This is consistent with what is stipulated in the Apostolic Motu Proprio “Mutua Concordia” issued by His Holiness Pope Leo XIV, which confirms the right of the Patriarch to be the first to call for a synod meeting. This is precisely what His Beatitude has done, having issued on September 2 an invitation to convene a synod from November 17 to 20, 2026, based on the proposal of the Permanent Synod that met in Beirut on July 23.

    Regarding the invitation issued on September 4 for a synod to be held on September 29 and 30, it is unlawful. Claiming that the bishop senior by ordination has the right to initiate the call for a synod is incorrect, as the Apostolic Motu Proprio issued by His Holiness the Pope stipulates that if the Patriarch fails to fulfill his duty to convoke a synod, only then does the senior bishop by ordination do so (Paragraph 3 added to Canon 106 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches, pursuant to the Apostolic Motu Proprio “Mutua Concordia” issued by His Holiness the Pope on August 29, 2026). However, His Beatitude the Patriarch fulfilled his obligation and called on September 2 for a synod to be held from November 17 to 20.

    Therefore, His Beatitude urges the Synod Fathers to understand this matter and to participate in a spirit of communion and fraternal love in the synod to be held in November. His Beatitude the Patriarch remains open-hearted and ready for any opinion, dialogue, frank discussion, and fraternal meeting at any time, for the good of the Church and the salvation of souls, whether during, before, or after the synod meeting.

    As His Beatitude follows with joy and eagerness, alongside the universal Church, the events of the apostolic visit of His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to France, he recalls with pride, appreciation, and great hope the historic apostolic visit made by His Holiness to Lebanon and the blessings it poured out upon the Church and the faithful. He reaffirms his fervent prayers, love, and submission to His Holiness, as well as his trust in his wisdom and prudence in shepherding the Church. Furthermore, any opinion or evaluation regarding any member of the Roman Curia does not in any way reflect upon His Holiness the Pope, who remains the Father and Supreme Pontiff, asking God to sustain him in shepherding the Church through these difficult circumstances in our world today.

    Beirut, September 28, 2026