” “"God’s Word in the life and mission of the Church" is the subject chosen by the Pope for the Twelfth General Ordinary Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, due in Vatican City from 5th to 26th October 2006. This has been announced today by the Vatican newsroom. Created by Paul VI in 1965, the Synod is an assembly of bishops from all continents, who gather to provide assistance, with their advice, to the Pope about subjects ranging from the announcement of the Gospel to the increase in faith or the life of the Church across the world. For example, the Eleventh Assembly, which took place in October 2008 about the Eucharist, was attended by 256 synodal fathers from 118 countries. They included 55 cardinals, 8 patriarchs, 82 archbishops, 123 bishops, 36 presidents of Bishops Conferences, 12 priests. 50 came from Africa, 59 from America, 44 from Asia, 95 from Europe and 8 from Oceania. The synod had also been attended by 32 experts and 27 auditors. The languages used for the synod were: Latin, Italian, French, Spanish, English and German. As well as general ordinary meetings, extraordinary meetings (still regarding the life of the universal church) and "special" meetings concerning particular ecclesiastic regions can also be convened.” “
