Pope Benedict XVI (R) leaves the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls in Rome after celebrating a mass for the opening of a Roman Catholic synod of bishops on October 5, 2008. The synod, attended by 253 cardinals, archbishops and bishops is the second such gathering to be presided over by Benedict since his election in 2005 and have the theme “The Word of God in the Life and Mission of the Church.” AFP PHOTO / CHRISTOPHE SIMON (Photo credit should read CHRISTOPHE SIMON/AFP/Getty Images)