The synod’s handbook states that “a strong consensus or at least a two-thirds majority among those voting is required” for the approval of the final text.

Cardinal Donald Wuerl has flatly denied the allegations by some of his fellow cardinals and bishops that the fathers attending the synod are “somehow” being manipulated by the pope

“A synodal church is a listening church … in which each one has something to learn.”

Archbishop Cupich recounted how the pope called him over during a break in the proceedings to chat. “He just looked so refreshed, calm, at peace,” Cupich said. “That, I think, is the attitude that we should all have."

While "a few problems" are grabbing media headlines, members of the Synod of Bishops on the family are highlighting the good things happening in the Catholic Church and identifying programs they think should be done better, said Archbishop Jose H. Gomez of Los Angeles.

He recalled that “one of the participants said he felt like one of the three kings, he’s going to go back home by a different way. And I think that is true for all of us.” Cupich believes the synod will have been a success if this indeed has been the impact on participants.