This Lent, with its ashes and somber reflections, is about to close and the Catholic Church heads into what should be a joyous Easter season with its promise of resurrection and new life. This year, however, feels anything but joyous.

The elevation of Jorge Mario Bergoglio 11 years ago as Pope Francis promised a fresh start to a scandal-ridden Catholic Church stained by decades of priestly abuse and coverups by church leaders. From the start, Pope Francis had a very different vision of the papacy, one that would be down to earth, with its priests, bishops and cardinals acting less like royalty and receiving papal instructions to be like “shepherds with the smell of sheep.”

To that end, Pope Francis established a multi-stage two-year synodality listening program involving all churchgoers that began in 2021. Around the world, listening sessions were held with the laity given a prominent voice and a chance to make their long-suppressed views heard.

In October, delegates convened in Rome to hear the results and establish a way forward. While prominent Catholic leaders were among those gathered at the Vatican, representatives included men and women from all different walks of life and cultures.

Perhaps the most memorable moment at the gathering occurred when a facilitator at one of the tables, said, “Excuse me, your Eminence, she has not finished........

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