LITTERA APOSTOLICA
MOTU PROPRIO DATAE
SUMMI PONTIFICIS
BENEDICTUS PP. XVII
APOSTOLICA SOLLICITUDO
PRIMUS SYNODUS EPISCOPORUM
PRO UNIVERSA ECCLESIA CONSTITUITUR
It was with great resolve that the church moves forward to heal and care for one of it's most wounded of sheep. A series of terrible tragedies have plagued the nation of Carthage ,and God has truly heard their suffering. His mercy, love and grace will manifest itself, through His church. This concern is of particular importance because of the important role that the faithful of the global Church plays in God's plan. Cardinal Lustro's layout of a comprehensive aid package along with Vatican Relief are the first step in helping the people of Carthage.
It is for this purpose of promoting unity, charity and goodwill, that I convoke this synod of bishops to discern the future path of the Church in Carthage, and it's direction in the years to come. For this purpose, I invite all my venerable brother bishops in Carthage to gather as leaders of the Church there to develop a plan for the future growth of the institutional Church within Carthage and address the important geopolitical role the Church can play and does in the world.
I direct this assembly to give this stated mission in to serious consideration and I eagerly await their recommendation. I will not dissolve this synod until it has fulfilled its mission, but I ask that the synod act in a quickest and most efficient manner possible while still being faithful and open to the work of the Holy Spirit among you. I leave the internal rules and regulations relating to the running of business up to the decision of the participating members.
I ask that God our Almighty Father send His Spirit to guide his Church and her leaders. May He pour out his grace on those leaders as they take upon themselves the enormous tasks laid before them. I beseech the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of the Incarnate Word and Mother of the Church, to support with her powerful intercession the work of her Son's pilgrim Church on earth.
Given in Rome, at St. Peter's, on 4 November in the year 2009, the first of my Pontificate.
Benedictus PP. XVII