The path of synodality embarked upon by Pope Francis, i.e. a new culture of dialogue and joint consultation in the Church, will continue, "regardless of what actually happens", the Archbishop of Salzburg told the Kathpress press agency (Saturday).
Lackner was speaking in Linz at the end of a three-day working meeting of European representatives of the World Synod.
The Synod will meet in October for the second round of its plenary assembly in the Vatican to discuss new ways of exchange within the Catholic world church. This will also include the question of reform projects in the Church.
Lackner expects further surprises
The processes introduced by Pope Francis have come as a surprise to many, "and the surprises will not stop", said Lackner.
According to Lackner, a "realistic view" is necessary for progress to be made, which is why in Austria, for example, initial enthusiasm gave way to disappointment for some with overly high expectations - "some of whom were also pushed".
The fact that the Pope removed certain topics from the synod and therefore also from the working document ("Instrumentum laboris") and delegated them to working groups contributed to this.
He described the working document presented in July, which was at the centre of the Linz talks, as "really good".
"No longer explaining to the world how it works"
As a further aspect, the Franciscan and Bishops' Conference chairman also noted the realisation "that we 'Westerners' should come empty-handed". Europe had set the tone in theology for centuries, which is now over.
"I believe we should continue on our path, endeavour, take steps and dare, but we should no longer come and tell the world how to do it."
Among the 43 participants who discussed the working document for the World Synod of Bishops in Linz were the President of the Council of the Bishops' Conferences of Europe (CCEE), Archbishop Gintaras Grusas (Vilnius), as well as the Presidents of the Bishops' Conferences of Italy, Austria and Switzerland, Cardinal Matteo Zuppi (Bologna), Archbishop Lackner (Salzburg) and Bishop Felix Gmür (Basel).