A section of Catholic archbishops from around the world are converging at the Vatican for a meeting with Pope Francis to discuss social and cultural issues affecting the church.

They are converging under the Synod of Synodality, a meeting that takes place every five years and brings together bishops from around the world to discuss ways to improve and grow the church. The Synod of Synodality is chaired by Pope Francis.

The Kenyan delegation is represented by the chairman of the Kenya Conference of Catholic Bishops (KCCB), Archbishop Martin Kivuva and Nyeri Archbishop Antony Muheria. The duo will share the views collected from the Kenyan Catholic faithful on how to improve the church.

Archbishop Muheria said the meeting will be attended by representatives of Catholic clergy, laity, and women. It is themed; Communion, Participation, and Mission.

Muheria, who was last week appointed to head Embu Diocese, said the views of Kenyan Catholics were collected from the diocese level and included concerns on marriage, accessibility of the priests, inclusion of persons with disabilities, support for youth, financial accountability, and transparency.

• Catholic faithful raised concern over support of the institution of marriage noting there was an emphasis on failure as opposed to guidance for young couples, newlyweds, couples living with disabilities, and couples with young children.

“We received feedback that the church should focus on supporting families especially those in difficult marriages as opposed to telling them to keep off divorce,” Muheria said.

He noted the church was concerned that more people were shying away from church weddings in favour of come-we-stay unions, an issue that needs to be addressed.

Muheria said faithfulness and fidelity were also key concerns raised by Catholics who noted that polygamy was becoming more rampant in society.