Final Document from the Second Session of the 16th Assembly

The Final Document, called For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’ is available in English, and in the official versions in Italian (original version of the Document), Czech,  Spanish,  Portuguese and French translations.

The Final Document is also available in the following languages: Arabic (only the document), German, Hungarian (only the note and the document), and Polish.

Note of the Holy Father Francis to accompany the Final Document of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, November 2024, read it here >>.


Final Document: ‘For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission’

Contents List from the Document:

Abbreviations.......................................………………………………............. 1

Accompanying note by the Holy Father Francis........…………....... 3

Introduction....…………………………………………………………………..….5

Part I - The Heart of Synodality
Called by the Holy Spirit to Conversion ............................................. 9

The Church as the People of God, Sacrament of Unity ......................................................... 9
The Sacramental Roots of the People of God ...................................................................... 11

Meaning and Dimensions of Synodality .............................................................................. 13
Unity as Harmony ................................................................................................................ 15
Synodal Spirituality.............................................................................................................. 17
Synodality as Prophetic in Today’s World .......................................................................... 18

Part II - On the Boat, Together
The Conversion of Relationships ............................................. 19

New Relationships................................................................................................................ 19
In a Plurality of Contexts ..................................................................................................... 20
Charisms, Vocations and Ministries for Mission................................................................. 21
Ordained Ministers at the Service of Harmony.................................................................... 25
Together for Mission............................................................................................................ 27

Part III – “Cast the Net”
The Conversion of Processes ................................................ 30

Ecclesial Discernment for Mission ...................................................................................... 30
The Structure of the Decision-making Process .................................................................... 32
Transparency, Accountability and Evaluation ..................................................................... 34
Synodality and Participatory Bodies .................................................................................... 36

Part IV - An Abundant Catch
The Conversion of Bonds................................................ 39

Firmly Rooted yet Pilgrims .................................................................................................. 39
The Exchange of Gifts.......................................................................................................... 42
The Bonds of Unity: Episcopal Conferences and Ecclesial Assemblies ............................. 43
The Service of the Bishop of Rome ..................................................................................... 45

Part V - “So I Send You”
Forming a People for Missionary Discipleship........................................ 49

Conclusion
A Feast for All Peoples................................................................................ 53

Appendix
1st General Congregation. Opening address
(2 October 2024) ............... 57

17th General Congregation. Final greeting (27 October 2024) .................. 61


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Synodality Meditations: Timothy Radcliffe OP