By Felipe Salvosa II | CBCP News
October 20, 2023

Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo speaks to the media during a press briefing at the Vatican on Oct. 20, 2023. Archbishop Kikuchi is also the president of Caritas Internationalis. ROY LAGARDE/CBCP NEWS

VATICAN– One of the most influential Asian voices in the ongoing Synod of Bishops pointed to “big differences” among delegates in many hot-button topics, which means decisions cannot be rushed.

There was also a big “difference of understanding” among synod participants, Archbishop Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi of Tokyo said in a press briefing on Friday (Oct. 20, 2023), Day 16 of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops.

“Understanding highly depends on cultural background. After three weeks we know there are big differences. It’s too early to make big decisions in this synod,” Kikuchi told reporters.