Pope Francis standing with church leaders in front of a replica of the icon 'Maria Salus populi romani'' and the St. Damian crucifix, blesses the participants into "Together", a vigil prayer for the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter's Square at The Vatican, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, three days ahead of the official opening of the XVI Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on 4 October. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca)