What you need to know | National Catholic Registry

Compared to its 2023 predecessor, the text presents more concrete recommendations and clearer structural guidelines.

In a significant change from previous synods, Pope Francis on Saturday adopted the Synod’s final document on synodality, renouncing the traditional apostolic exhortation in favor of direct implementation of the assembly’s conclusions.

The 52-page document, approved by 355 synod members present, outlines substantial proposals for the renewal of the Church.

The proposals include expanded leadership roles for women, greater lay participation in decision-making and significant structural reforms.

Key developments

The document arises from a two-year consultative process that began in 2021, incorporating 1,135 amendments from both collective and individual submissions.

Compared to its 2023 predecessor, the text presents more concrete recommendations and clearer structural guidelines.

The final document is organized into five main sections and calls for five forms of conversion: spiritual, relational, procedural, institutional and missionary.

Structural reforms

Among the most significant proposals is a call to strengthen pastoral councils at the parish and diocesan level.

The document advocates for regular ecclesiastical assemblies at all levels of the Church (including continental) and greater ecumenical dialogue.

The text introduces the concept of synodal authority while recognizing that in “a synodal Church, the authority of the Bishop, the Episcopal College and the Bishop of Rome with regard to decision-making is inviolable.”

“However, this exercise of authority is not without limits,” the document adds.

From this point of view, the text calls for a review of canon law, “clarifying the distinction and relationship between consultation and deliberation and shedding light on the responsibilities of those who play different roles in the decision-making process.”

Women’s leadership

In a notable development, the document explicitly states that there is “no reason or impediment” to prevent women from assuming leadership roles in the Church.

Furthermore, “the question of women’s access to diaconal ministry remains open” and that discernment must continue.

The text advocates for greater female participation in the training of the clergy and broader participation in the decision-making processes of the Church.

Lay participation

The document significantly expands the role of the lay faithful in the government of the Church. Asks for their greater presence in synodal assemblies and in all phases of ecclesiastical decision-making.

New procedures are proposed for selecting and evaluating bishops and expanding lay participation in diocesan leadership and canonical processes.

Implementation phase

While Pope Francis has declared the synodal path “completed,” the document emphasizes that a crucial phase of implementation remains ahead. This next stage will focus on integrating synodality as a “constitutive dimension of the Church.”

The text also addresses accountability measures, calling for greater financial transparency and protocols for the prevention of abuse, stating: “The need within the Church for healing, reconciliation and rebuilding trust has resonated at every stage of the synodal process.” .

Background

The document represents the culmination of one of the most extensive consultative processes in Church history, building on both the work of the 2023 assembly and the broader synodal journey initiated by Pope Francis in 2021.

The exercise aimed to balance traditional Church teaching with contemporary pastoral needs while promoting greater inclusivity and transparency in Church governance.