The final document of the Synod focuses on the need to promote a synodal conversion in the Church.
To this end, at the institutional level, we are asked to promote transparency and accountability. Bishops are asked to make an effort to listen more to their faithful. It is recalled that in the Church, the decision making is up to them but it is said that they should not ignore the results of the consultations they have carried out.
It is insisted that the hierarchical dimension of the Church is essential. But we are encouraged to reflect on how this is combined with synodality. Pope Francis said the following in 2015, during the 50th anniversary of the constitution of the Synod of Bishops.
POPE FRANCIS
Synodality, as a constitutive dimension of the Church, offers us the most suitable interpretative framework for understanding the hierarchical ministry itself.
In this sense, a revision of the Code of Canon Law in a synodal key is requested along with seminarians being trained in synodality.
On the other hand, greater contact among Church members is suggested. For example, there should be more relationships between different Catholic movements, congregations or organizations to prevent them from closing in on themselves and to learn to appreciate diversity.
The role of women in the Church was the most discussed of all 155 points. It is requested to allow and encourage the access of women to those places in the Church foreseen by Canon Law but on the other hand it is said that the so-called “diaconal ministry” for women is an open question. The Pope seems willing to study the possibility of a female diaconate that does not imply any type of ordination.
As a result of the Synod, 10 study groups and two other commissions have been created to study in depth some of the issues that emerged during the assemblies.
TR: JD
