Formally opened by Pope Francis in October 2021, the synod is a multi-stage process that began with a year of discernment/consultation at the diocesan level, continued with a year of discernment/consultation at the continental level, and will culminate in two Rome-based gatherings in October, 2023 and October, 2024. This year’s Rome-based gathering will mark the first time that women, and laypeople generally, are official delegates and have the right to vote.