A New Era for the Synod of Bishops
Recently, Pope Francis has pushed for a significant reform in the structure of the Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. This transformation, which became evident at the October meeting, includes the incorporation of more than seventy non-Episcopal members, a decision that seeks to enrich participation within the Church.
History and Context of the Synod
To understand the impact of this body, it is necessary to go back to the years 1962-1964, during the Second Vatican Council. In those days, interaction between the Pope and the bishops was limited, with scheduled visits every five years. The creation of the Synod of Bishops by Paul VI arose as a response to this disconnection, seeking a more fluid channel of communication and collaboration.
The Function of the Synod in the Current Church
With its Ordinary General Assembly, the Synod has become a fundamental space for reflection and debate within the Church. The current reform is aimed precisely at the General Assembly, which until now had been exclusive to the bishops.
The Turn Towards Inclusivity
Pope Francis has expressed a firm commitment to inclusion, expanding the composition of the Synod to include laymen, deacons, men and women religious. In a historic decision on April 17, 2023, it was established that at least half of the new members should be women, underscoring the importance of the female voice in the Church.
A Step Towards Synodality
This change, foreseen in the document ‘Episcopalis Communio’ of 2018, seeks to make the Synod a reflection of the diversity of the Church. The idea is that synodality, understood as a shared path, becomes the foundation of the Church of the future.
Reactions and Perspectives on the Reform
The reform has generated various reactions within the ecclesiastical community. Jean Claude Hollerich, general speaker of the Synod, has described this change as ‘significant’, although not revolutionary, recognizing the depth of the transformation.
A New Paradigm in Church Governance
With the inclusion of non-bishop members, some quarters have expressed concern, comparing the new setup to a Parliament. However, it is essential to remember that the Synod is a consultative body chaired by the Pope, and not a deliberative body like a Parliament.
The Importance of Designation
The non-episcopal members of the Synod are not elected, but appointed by the Pope, based on proposals from relevant bodies. This modality ensures that those selected are aligned with the Pope’s vision and the needs of the Church.
The Future of the Synod and of the Church
With the approval of a document of 155 articles at the end of the Assembly, held on October 27, synodality has been consolidated as an integral part of the life of the Church. This reform represents a significant step towards a more inclusive and participatory model, aligned with the aspirations of Pope Francis for the Church of the third millennium.
