Originally published at National Catholic Register
Compared to its 2023 predecessor, the text presents more concrete recommendations and clearer structural guidelines.
In a significant departure from previous synods, Pope Francis adopted the final document of the Synod on Synodality on Saturday, foregoing the traditional apostolic exhortation in favor of direct implementation of the assembly’s conclusions.
The 52-page document, approved by 355 synod members in attendance, outlines substantial proposals for Church renewal.
The proposals include expanded women’s leadership roles, greater lay participation in decision-making, and significant structural reforms.
Key Developments
The document emerges 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 for strengthening pastoral councils at parish and diocesan levels.
The document advocates for regular ecclesiastical assemblies across all Church levels — including continental —and heightened ecumenical dialogue.
The text introduces the concept of synodal authority while acknowledging that in “a synodal Church, the authority of the Bishop, of
