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Note from Pope Francis on the Final Document of the
16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops
:November 24, 2024
Solemnity of N.S.G.C., King of the Universe
“Synodality is the adequate interpretive framework for understanding the Hierarchical Ministry”
In the different moments of the journey of the Synod, which I began in October 2021, we have listened to what the Holy Spirit is saying to the Churches at this time.
The Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is the fruit of a journey marked by listening to the People of God and by the discernment of Pastors.
Allowing herself to be enlightened by the Holy Spirit, the whole Church has been called to read her own experience and to identify the steps to be taken in order to live communion, to achieve participation and to promote the mission entrusted to it by Jesus Christ.
The synodal journey, which began in the local Churches, then passed through the national and continental phases, culminating in the celebration of the Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in the two sessions of October 2023 and October 2024.
Now the journey continues in the local Churches and their groups, appreciating the Final Document that was voted and approved by the Assembly in all its parts on 26 October last.
I too approved it and, by signing it, ordered its publication, joining the “we” of the Assembly which, through the Final Document, addresses the holy and faithful People of God.
Recognizing the value of the Synodal journey undertaking, I now entrust to the Church all the indications contained in the Final Document, as a return of what has matured over the years, through listening and discernment, and as an authoritative orientation for her life and mission.
The Final Document participates in the ordinary Magisterium of the Successor of Peter (cf. EC 18 § 1; CCC 892) and as such I ask for its acceptance.
It represents a way of exercising the authentic teaching of the Bishop of Rome which has some new features but which in fact corresponds to what I had the opportunity to specify on 17 October 2015, when I reaffirmed that synodality is the adequate interpretive framework for understanding the hierarchical ministry.
When I approved the document on 26 October last year, I said that it “is not strictly normative” and that “its application will require various mediations”.
This does not mean that it does not oblige the Churches from now on to make choices in accordance with what is indicated in it.
The local Churches and ecclesial groupings of Churches are now called to apply the authoritative indications contained in the document in the various contexts, through the processes of discernment and decision provided for by law and by the document itself.
I have also added that “it will take time to arrive at decisions which involve the whole Church“: this is particularly true for the themes entrusted to the ten study groups, to which others may be added, in view of the decisions to be taken.
The conclusion of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops is not the end of the synodal process.
Here I take up with conviction what I indicated at the end of the articulated synodal journey that led to the promulgation of Amoris Laetitia (19 March 2016):
“Not all doctrinal, moral or pastoral discussions need to be resolved with interventions of the Magisterium.
Of course, unity of doctrine and practice is necessary in the Church, but this does not prevent the existence of different ways of interpreting some aspects of doctrine or some of the consequences that flow from it.
This will continue until the Spirit leads us to the full truth (cf. Jn 16:13 – When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth; for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come), that is, until He introduces us fully into the mystery of Christ and we are able to see everything with his gaze.
Moreover, in each country or region, more inculturated solutions can be sought, taking into account local traditions and challenges” (AL 3).
The Final Document contains indications which, in the light of its basic guidelines, can already be received in the local Churches and in ecclesial groupings of Churches, taking into account the different contexts, what has already been done and what remains to be done in order to learn and develop ever better the style proper to the missionary synodal Church.
In many cases, it is a question of effectively applying what is already provided for in the existing legislation, Latin and Eastern.
In other cases, it will be possible to proceed, through synodal discernment and within the framework of the possibilities indicated in the Final Document, to creatively activate of new forms of ministry and missionary action, experimenting and reviewing experiences.
In the report scheduled for the ad limina visit, each Bishop will take care to indicate what choices have been made in the local Church entrusted to him in relation to what is indicated in the Final Document, what difficulties have been encountered and what the fruits have been.
The task of accompanying the “implementation phase” of the synodal journey, on the basis of the guidelines offered by the Final Document, is entrusted to the General Secretariat of the Synod together with the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia (cf. EC 19-21).
The synodal journey of the Catholic Church, also animated by the desire to continue on the path towards the full and visible unity of Christians, “needs common words to be accompanied by deeds”
(Final Messsage to the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 26 October 2024).
May the Holy Spirit, gift of the Risen One, sustain and guide the whole Church on this journey.
May he, who is harmony, continue to rejuvenate the Church with the power of the Gospel, renewing her and leading her to perfect union with her Spouse (cf. LG 4).
Since the Spirit and the Bride say to the Lord Jesus: “Vieni” ‘Come’
(cf. Rev 22:17 – 17 The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let him who hears say, “Come.”
And let him who is thirsty come, and let him who desires take the water of life without price.).
