The Final Document of the Synod for a Synodal Church: Inspirations, Reflections, and Proposals

Pope Francis formally endorsed the Final Document of the Synod on Synodality on October 26, a culmination of a three-year global journey marked by deep reflection, consultation, and discernment. This 52-page document, consisting of 155 carefully-voted paragraphs, represents the collective insights and proposals of 355 participants from the Second Session of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod. This report delves into the key inspirations, reflections, and proposals outlined in the Final Document, highlighting the call to deepen synodality within the Church and examining its potential impact. 

I. Inspirations

1. Synodality: Meaning and Dimensions

For the first time in four years, synodality is defined as "the walking together of Christians with Christ towards God’s Kingdom" (n. 28). It is described as a "style," a "point of view," and a "program" (n. 30), signifying a transformative journey of renewal rather than a mere organizational goal.

2. Baptismal Identity and Dignity

The synodal journey emphasizes rediscovering shared baptismal identity, underlining the dignity of all the baptized and their role in the Church (cf. nn. 4, 21, 57).

3. From Spiritual Conversation to Synodal Conversion

Moving from conversation to action, the Synod calls for a "synodal conversion," highlighting shifts needed in relationships, processes, and community bonds.

4. Synodal Missionary Discipleship

Every baptized person is invited to become a missionary disciple, actively participating in evangelization and service through the Spirit (cf. n. 4, Evangelii Gaudium, n. 120).

5. Synodal Spirituality

The document emphasizes spirituality centered on the Holy Spirit, encouraging humility, patience, and forgiveness as essential to synodal life (n. 40).

6. Prophetic Synodality

With “prophet” appearing sixteen times, the document invites the Church to courageously speak truth with love and discernment in a divided world (cf. nn. 5, 47).

7. Togetherness for Mission

Key phrases like "walking together" (n. 21) and "discern and decide together" (n. 35) underscore the communal nature of mission in Church life.

8. Ecclesial Discernment and Unity

Discernment, mentioned thirteen times, and unity, cited sixty-two times, are presented as foundational to Church transparency and mission (n. 11).

9. Inclusive Lay Participation and Decentralization

Affirming the role of laypeople, the document calls for their active participation in Church leadership and decision-making (n. 54, 60, 77, 104).

10. Transparency, Accountability and Evaluation

The Synod underscores transparency in all aspects of Church life, from finances to leadership and pastoral planning (n. 95, 98).

II. Reflections

The Synod’s Final Document offers insights into a synodal Church, emphasizing unity, inclusivity, and spiritual renewal.

1. Every Going is a Returning

The Church’s growth involves continually revisiting its roots: the apostles' Easter experience, early Christian communities, and the Second Vatican Council, which are foundational to synodality.

2. A Call to Unity in Diversity

Embracing diverse voices within the Church—by age, vocation, gender, and background—enables mutual growth, reflecting the unity of the Trinity.

3. Ecumenical Spirit as Essential to Synodality

Synodality inherently involves ecumenism, urging cooperation across Christian traditions as essential to the Church’s mission.

4. Synodality Begins at Home

This journey begins in local communities, fostering faith through gradual, Spirit-led formation and ongoing catechesis.

5. Synodality as Subalternity

Synodality calls for a ministry of inclusion, particularly for marginalized groups like the poor, migrants, and people with disabilities.

6. Integral Ecology and Synodality

Synodality is intertwined with caring for creation, urging the Church to integrate ecological responsibility into its mission.

7. Synodality as a Spiritual Disposition

Beyond organizational structure, synodality invites a contemplative, Spirit-rooted approach, centered on Baptism and Eucharist as symbols of unity.

8. Synodal Relationships with Other Religion

Engaging with other religions through mutual respect fosters shared values and peaceful coexistence.

9. Formation For and By Synodality

A synodal Church requires theological and spiritual education for all, with a focus on co-responsibility and localized formation.

10. Every Act as Ministry

Recognizing both formal and informal ministries—including community roles and service leaders—supports the Church’s mission and reflects its diverse needs.

III. Key Proposals

The document outlines several key proposals to enhance the Church’s mission and participation in synodality:

1. Finance Councils and Annual Reporting

Local churches should establish finance councils to ensure financial transparency (n. 102).

2. Inter-Religious Dialogue

Actively engage in dialogue with other religions to promote respect and collaboration (nn. 146, 151).

3. Formation for Lay Ministries and Participation in Deliberative Decision-Making.

Provide formation for lay ministries and allow lay participation in decision-making (nn. 66, 92-93).

4. Promoting Synodal Ecumenism

Foster unity among Christian traditions through ecumenism (n. 40).

5. Strengthening Episcopal Conferences

Increase regional influence of Episcopal Conferences, especially in cultural adaptation (n. 125).

6. Ministry of Listening and Accompaniment

Develop a dedicated ministry focused on pastoral listening and accompaniment (n. 78).

7. Support for Continental Assemblies

Encourage continental assemblies for regional adaptation of the faith (n. 119).

8. Expanded Lay Pastoral Roles

Develop lay roles in catechesis, finance, and pastoral planning without requiring ordination (n. 77).

9. Council for Eastern Catholic Leaders

Establish a Council of Patriarchs and Archbishops for collaboration between Eastern and Latin Catholic Churches (n. 133).

10. Ecological Responsibility

Make ecological care a core part of the Church’s mission (n. 151).

11. Evaluating Synodal Bodies

Regularly evaluate parish councils and synods to ensure they embody synodality (nn. 108, 129, 135).

12. Decentralizing Episcopal Authority 

Clarify which issues can be handled locally, with greater lay involvement in selecting bishops (n. 171, 70).

13. Digital Mission

Support and guide those involved in digital mission work (n. 113).

14. Canonical & Theological Study

Encourage ongoing study of canonical and theological matters to refine roles and adapt practices (nn. 67, 134).

15. Guildelines for Implementing Synodality

Adopt synodal practices in everyday pastoral actions (n. 103).

16. Strengthening Family and Marital Support

Develop networks to support families in pastoral roles (nn. 64, 142).

17. Formation for Synodal Leadership

Bishops and clergy should pursue ongoing synodal formation for shared leadership (nn. 67, 70, 80, 83, 86).

18. Creating Safeguarding Standards.

Implement safeguarding protocols to protect vulnerable individuals (n. 150).

Final Thoughts

Pope Francis emphasized that synodality is not a one-time event but a journey, focused on process over product and beginning at home. His goals are to strengthen the Church, especially in a post-pandemic world, and to honor tradition while embracing change.

The Final Document has been widely praised for its transparency, recording the vote count for each section. Although synodality may still seem elusive, progress is evident. What began with doubt now stands as a realized goal. As we continue on this journey, we are reminded that we are all pilgrims of hope, striving toward unity in Christ.

By Fr. Yesu Karunanidhi