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The publication in 2016 of an important letter addressed to Cardinal Marc Ouellet, in his role as President of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America has revived the debate about the place of the laity in the life of the Church. Some commentators have sought to set Benedict xvi and Francis in opposition. In reality, against any alleged implication of “clericalism”, the two popes strongly endorse the initiative of lay people. Nevertheless, a nuance between the two popes comes to light on the question of synodality and of the relationship to the world, which can be illustrated by what Francis has insisted on in Europe.