Synod on Synodality Document Part of “ordinary magisterium, authentic teaching”: Pope Francis, Calls for Implementation

"Local churches and groupings of churches are now called upon to implement, in different contexts, the authoritative indications contained in the document, through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided by law and by the document itself," Francis added.

The Holy Father wrote that the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality "does not end the synodal process.” 

The document calls for strengthening pastoral councils at the parish and diocesan level, but adds that such authority “is not without limits,” noting that the authority of the local bishop and the pontiff “in regard to decision-taking is inviolable.”

Additionally, the document calls for more lay participation in all ecclesiastical decision making. It specifically calls for more women in leadership roles but does not settle the question about a possible women’s diaconate. It also condemns exclusion based on a person’s “marital situation, identity, or sexuality.”

In the note, Francis emphasized that the final document is "not strictly normative" and that local churches should discern how to implement the document in a way that is consistent with the needs of their country and their region. However, he said, “Local churches [are obligated] to make choices consistent with what was indicated.” 

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“Each country or region, moreover, can seek solutions better suited to its culture and sensitive to its traditions and local needs,” Francis wrote, directly quoting his apostolic exhortation Amoris laetitia.

"In many cases, it is a matter of effectively implementing what is already provided for in existing law, Latin and Eastern," Francis wrote.

The pontiff also wrote in his note that bishops will report to the Vatican on the way in which they are implementing the document within their dioceses when making their required trip to Rome to meet with Vatican officials. 

"[Bishops] will report on the choices made in their local Church concerning the indications in the Final Document, the difficulties encountered, and the fruits achieved, and are called to report on progress during their ad limina visits, sharing both challenges and fruits of their efforts,” Francis wrote, according to Vatican News, the official news outlet of the Holy See.

“This journey has allowed the Church to read her own experiences and identify steps to live communion, realize participation, and promote the mission entrusted to her by Christ,” Francis wrote. 

Vatican dicasteries and the General Secretariat of the Synod will oversee the bishops’ implementation of the final document.