IF THERE IS ONE thing that Pope Francis wants the world’s bishops to start doing more, it’s listening. This week he sought to switch the Church’s broadcasting from “transmit” to “receive” by attending a gathering of 300 young adults who had come to Rome to give their input into a synod of bishops meeting in October that will focus on young people, faith and vocational discernment.

Francis has insisted that young people must be at the heart of the deliberations, to ensure that the bishops are given a realistic picture of everything from millennial culture to what life is like for 20-somethings in the developing world. The bishops must lead – but their leadership should include walking behind the flock on occasion, as well as being in their midst and – sometimes – out in front.