Final document of the Synod of Synodality: What you should know

The result of the synodal process that began in 2021 and was debated in Rome for two consecutive years has materialized in a document whose proposals will mark the future of the Church.

Pope Francis said this Saturday, October 26, that he adopts the entire document and, in a departure from usual practice, will not publish an Apostolic Exhortation, so the text is already considered part of the Magisterium of the Catholic Church.

A total of 355 members of the Synod secretly voted on each of the paragraphs of the 54 pages of the document, which reflect the conclusions on issues such as the role of women, the decentralization of the authority of the Church or the increase of the participation of lay people in decision-making.

The draft of this document obtained a total of 1,135 amendments (950 collective and 185 individual). Regarding the differences with the 2023 assembly synthesis report, the 2024 final document presents more developed proposals and clearer structural recommendations.

This year’s report is a more concrete report, with fewer questions and more specific proposals, divided into 5 parts: Heart of synodality (called by the Holy Spirit to conversion); Together on the boat (the conversion of relationships); Cast down the nets (the conversion of the processes); An abundant catch (the conversion of the bonds) and “I also send you” (forming a people of missionary disciples).

Key structural changes

Regarding the key structural changes that are proposed, pastoral councils at parish and diocesan levels stand out. The document calls for holding “ecclesial assemblies at all levels with some regularity,” also seeking “not to limit consultation within the Catholic Church, but to be open to listening to the contributions of other Churches.”

The members of the Synod also demand new evaluation processes for the leadership of the Church. The document refers to a “synodal authority,” proposing a balance with episcopal authority, which they refer to as “irrenounceable” but “not unconditional.”

In this way, it proposes a review of the canonical norms “in a synodal key, which clarifies both the distinction and the articulation between consultative and deliberative, and illuminates the responsibilities of those who participate in the decision-making processes in their various functions,” can read in paragraph 92.

It also indicates the need to establish financial accountability requirements, prevention measures and responses to abuse, as well as regular reporting mechanisms and greater transparency requirements.

The document reiterates the unity in diversity proposed since the beginning of the Synod, suggests a continued relationship between the Eastern and Latin Churches and ecumenical initiatives and provisions for cultural adaptation to each context.

It also considers a comprehensive review of seminary training, as well as an integration of pastoral principles.

The role of women in the Church

Regarding the role of women in the Church, the document proposes a continuous study of the diaconal ministry as well as an increase in leadership roles, participation in the formation of the clergy and greater voice in decision-making processes.

Specifically, paragraph 60 indicates that “there are no reasons to prevent women from assuming leadership roles in the Church: you cannot stop what comes from the Holy Spirit.” They affirm in this sense that “the question of women’s access to the diaconal ministry also remains open” and that “it is necessary to continue discerning in this regard.”

Greater responsibility of the laity

The laity acquire an essential role in the final document. The members have voted for a greater presence in the synod assemblies, “in the processes of ecclesial discernment and in all phases of decision-making.”

They also urge carrying out new evaluation and selection processes for bishops, broader participation of lay people in positions of responsibility in the dioceses, as well as increasing their presence in canonical processes.

Regarding the most controversial issues, the search for a balance between tradition and pastoral needs is highlighted, as well as the role of expert consultation.

Although the assembly of the Synod of Synodality has come to an end this Saturday and Pope Francis “completes the synodality”, there is still a crucial stage ahead focused on the implementation of the agreed measures to make synodality “a constitutive dimension of the Church.”