The End of the Synod…

Nov 22, 2024

By Massimo Faggioli
The Synod on Synodality, which began under Pope Francis’ leadership in 2021, has catalysed significant changes within the Catholic Church. This synodal path aims to foster a more participatory, communal, and missionary Church, though the journey toward these ideals has been gradual. Initially, synodality was a concept that only ecclesiologists and historians discussed, but under Pope Francis, it has gained prominence. However, the synodal process, particularly the assemblies in October 2023 and 2024, faced challenges: balancing the diverse expressions of synodality across the globe, slowing down runaway initiatives like those in Germany, while also spurring synodal action in places where it was lacking, such as some US dioceses.

A Participatory Church
Pope Francis envisioned a synodal Church inspired by Latin American models and infused with Jesuit spirituality. This complex process involved conversations at local, national, and continental levels, followed by dialogue at the central level.

Unlike previous synods or the Second Vatican Council, which primarily followed a top-down approach, the synodal process this time incorporated a more participatory method. The first assembly in 2023 featured an informal “conversation in the Spirit,” lacking deep theological integration. However, significant improvements were made by the second assembly in October 2024, with more theological input, demonstrating that theology still plays a crucial role in shaping the Church’s direction.

Handling Information and Media
Another notable shift in the Synod on Synodality was the handling of information. Unlike past synods, where speeches and interventions were shared publicly, this synod limited media access to ensure participants could speak freely. While this approach aimed to maintain focus on the spiritual dimension of synodality and limit sensational coverage, the social media age introduced new dynamics. Participants shared personal experiences on social media, including selfies and casual moments like dinner or gelato outings, leading to a “peri-council” atmosphere akin to the informal gatherings during Vatican II.

Process over Events
The Synod’s approach was rooted in the principles of Vatican II, emphasising process over events. This framework was laid out by the Synod’s central office and Pope Francis, indicating that synodality is not just a theological theory but a lived reality for the Church. The final document, though not revolutionary, formalised synodality as a key teaching of the Church, suggesting that synodality should be an ongoing process. This shift makes synodality part of Catholic teaching for the first time and highlights its importance as the Church navigates contemporary challenges.

Global Variations and Regional Challenges
The Synod’s outcomes will likely be interpreted differently across the global Church, with varying implementations depending on regional contexts. Some proposals, such as those around transparency and accountability, have already seen partial implementation, particularly in Western countries, but they will face obstacles in other regions where legal and financial systems differ. Other suggestions, such as changes to the appointment of bishops, will encounter significant canonical and political hurdles. For example, appointing bishops in countries like China, Russia, or Vietnam involves a different set of challenges compared to places like the US or Germany.

Controversies and Ongoing Discernment
One of the most contentious issues during the Synod was the diaconate for women. The question of women’s access to leadership roles and diaconal ministry remains open for future discernment. The Synod's final document, though it received some opposition, expressed the belief that there is no reason to prevent women from taking leadership roles in the Church, reflecting an ongoing openness to the role of women in ministry. Despite this, Pope Francis and other Vatican leaders chose to keep discussions on sensitive issues, such as the diaconate, within the control of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. This decision, which mirrors past Vatican responses to controversial matters, highlights the tension between synodality and papal centralisation.

Another controversial issue was how the Synod would address LGBTQ Catholics. While the final document does not explicitly address this issue, the Synod demonstrated a much more open and respectful approach compared to earlier synods, such as the 2014–2015 Synod on the Family. However, the issue remains sensitive and was not a central focus. Similarly, the document made only marginal reference to the sex-abuse crisis, reflecting the reluctance of leaders in non-Western churches to engage with the topic.

Centralisation vs Synodality
The Synod’s process has been marked by a clear intention to continue with the “synodal turn,” though the specifics of what this means for the future of the Church remain uncertain. Pope Francis’ decision not to issue a post-synodal exhortation, a first since Vatican II, signals a departure from the past. Instead, the Synod’s final document is seen as a more modest outcome compared to the final documents of previous synods. This shift highlights a difference in approach between the 2024 Synod and earlier synods under Pope Francis, such as the 2020 Amazon Synod, where many recommendations were ignored.

Will Bishops Maintain Dominance?
In considering the future of synodality, questions remain about how the Synod will evolve as an institution. Will bishops continue to dominate, or will there be more representation from clergy, religious, and laypeople? While the final document maintains the episcopal nature of the Synod, it leaves room for further development. Pope Francis has reshaped many institutional features of the Church, but much remains in his hands, including decisions about the future of synodality and the role of the Roman Curia.

Tensions and Coexistence
Papal primacy is also a key issue in the context of synodality. Although the Synod emphasises collegiality, Pope Francis has maintained the central role of the papacy. His leadership, culminating in his act of venerating the relic of St Peter’s chair at the conclusion of the Synod, underscores the continuing importance of papal primacy within the synodal process. This act suggests that synodality and papal authority can coexist, though tensions between the two remain.

Local Governance and the Spread of Synodality
The Synod on Synodality may lead to new forms of governance at the local level, mirroring the changes of the 1970s when local synods flourished. Pope Francis has extended the concept of synodality beyond the episcopal collegiality of Vatican II, aiming for a more inclusive model of the Church that incorporates both clergy and laity. However, in some regions, synodality has yet to take root, and much will depend on Pope Francis’ leadership in guiding this process.

Uncertainty Ahead
The future of synodality in the Catholic Church remains uncertain. The Synod’s final document offers a vision for a more collaborative, participatory Church, but its implementation will depend on how the Church adapts to diverse local realities. The balance between papal primacy and synodality, and the role of bishops within this framework, will shape the trajectory of the Church’s future governance. The next steps in the synodal process will reveal whether this path leads to deeper reform or remains an ongoing experiment in ecclesiastical structure. -- Commonweal