Vatican presents paper on the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality

The Vatican wants to explain on Monday how the Synod on Synodality is to be further implemented. This was announced by the General Secretariat of the Synod in a press release. The announced implementing provisions are intended to provide answers to questions that have been received by the Synod Secretariat in recent months. They are intended to serve as an interpretative key for the upcoming implementation phase.

It is the task of the local churches to translate the proposals of the Synod Assembly into concrete pastoral practices on the ground. The Secretariat will accompany this process, "supporting and promoting dialogue between the local churches". The principle of "circular dialogue" between local churches, bishops' conferences and the Synod Secretariat remains the guiding principle, as it was during the Synod on Synodality.

Accompanying the final synod phase

The letter, which is divided into four chapters, is intended as an instrument to "accompany the final phase of the synodal process", according to the press release. It is primarily aimed at diocesan bishops and national synod teams and will also be published online on the Synod on Synodality website.

The work of the ten study groups set up by Pope Francis during the Synod on Synodality is also linked to the further synodal work. They are working on topics such as the diaconate for women, reforms to priestly training and the role of bishops. Originally, their final reports were to be available by the summer, but the deadline was extended to 31 December 2025 due to the change of pontificate. In the interests of "transparency", the groups were asked to submit brief reports on the status of their work in advance.

Pope Leo: Synodality is a style

The Synod on Synodality initiated by the late Pope Francis is looking for new ways to make the Church more synodal and participatory. Francis confirmed the final document of the consultations in October as part of his ordinary magisterium. The advice it contains can be implemented directly in the local churches. However, Francis emphasised that this was not a "simple application of guidelines from above". Rather, it is a process of reception, "adapted to local cultures and the needs of communities".

Pope Leo XIV recently recognised synodality as a new attitude of the Church. He recently received the members of the Ordinary Council of the Synod Secretariat. "Synodality is a style, an attitude that helps us to be Church and to promote authentic experiences of participation and communion," said Pope Leo. (CBA)