Jeannot Germain Arthur Randriamikajy

The five assemblies of the Synod of Bishops gathered during pontificate of Paul VI (1967; 1969; 1971; 1974; 1977) were subject of extensive historiographical investigation. In particular, the volume published by A. Indelicato, The synod of bishops, the suspended collegiality, marked the pace in scientific production on the matter. The literature, however, has so far focused on the functioning of the synod and eventual issues left unresolved by its various assemblies, without taking into consideration the repercussions on the press, in the media and public opinion; at the same time, adequate consideration was not assigned to the reverse process, i.e. what influences the press, the media and public opinion have exercised on the choice of the agenda of the synod and on the progress of the assemblies. This  research project takes these two directions as lines of development, aiming to fill a historiographical void, which will allow us to finally fully grasp the significance of each one of the five synods held during the pontificate of Paul VI. The collection of this material will contribute to the formation of a “digital archive” of the mediatic impact of the synods and on the sources of the post-conciliar period, an essential element for the development not only of this project but, in general, for increasingly relevant studies on post-Vatican II. The present proposed project specifically contributes to the reduction of resulting social costs from religious illiteracy and to the construction of a culture of knowledge of religions, of religious communities and their rights.