The Synod on Synodality concluded its final assembly last month in Rome, where discussions explored how the Catholic Church can embrace inclusivity, promote unity, and foster collaboration across cultures and communities. Representing New Zealand were Archbishop Paul Martin of Wellington, Manuel Beazley (Vicar for Māori in Auckland), and Fr. Denis Narcoda from Wellington.
Beazley likened the Synod to a hui, highlighting the strong parallels between the Māori tradition of communal decision-making and the synodal process. As he explained, synodality feels natural to Māori and other indigenous communities across the Pacific, where hui and wānanga bring people together to reflect and chart a way forward. This shared wisdom, he notes, can serve as a model for a Church that “journeys together” (source: WelCom).
In his final address, Pope Francis presented the Synod’s Final Document as a “threefold gift,” emphasizing its significance as guidance for the Church, a symbol of unity, and a shared mission born of three years of listening to the People of God. In a unique decision, Pope Francis announced he will not write a separate Apostolic Exhortation following the Synod. Instead, the Synod Document will be made directly available to everyone, underscoring the importance of open access to the Church’s vision for a “synodal Church” that embodies the Gospel through action.
The Final Document is currently only available in Italian.
Key Themes and the Synod’s 10 Priority Areas
The Synod Document identifies 10 areas for ongoing work and discernment, each led by a specialised working group. These areas reflect the Church’s commitment to a synodal, missionary future and include:
- Relations between Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church
- Listening to the Cry of the Poor
- Mission in the Digital Age
- Revising Clergy Formation (Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis) to emphasise a missionary synodal perspective
- Theological and Canonical Aspects of Ministry
- Revising Governance Documents concerning bishops, consecrated life, and Church associations
- Exploring the Role of Bishops with attention to criteria for episcopal selection and the function of ad limina visits
- Papal Representatives in a Missionary Context
- Methodologies for Addressing Controversial Issues
- Implementing Ecumenical Practices within Church institutions.
These areas will help guide the Church’s focus on listening, inclusivity, and unity, with working groups dedicated to making meaningful progress on each topic. Notably, the Synod reaffirmed that synodality is a core dimension of the Church, with decision-making that should involve everyone. Bishops and pastors are now “obliged to listen,” and assemblies like pastoral councils and diocesan synods are expected to be mandatory, fostering a more collaborative Church environment.
A Call for Women’s Equal Dignity and Participation
A strong emphasis was placed on the role of women in the Church. Delegates passionately supported the idea of ensuring that women are recognised as equal partners within Church structures. There was a clear call for women to be represented “in positions of responsibility” within diocesan and Vatican institutions and for greater inclusion in the education and formation of priests and deacons. Delegates underscored the need for implementing existing Canon Law opportunities for women, particularly in roles that remain under-explored.
Synodality as a Path Forward
The Synod stressed that synodality is not a fleeting concept but a journey that requires continuous dialogue and reflection. Engagement with local parishes and communities is crucial to fostering synodal understanding and encouraging involvement. Ongoing communication and dialogue aim to address people’s aspirations and frustrations within the Church. Embracing synodality can help all Catholics see themselves as co-responsible in shaping the Church.
A Vision for a Church that Welcomes All
The Synod concluded with Pope Francis’s blessing and a Mass at St. Peter’s Basilica on 27 October. As the Church looks to the future, Pope Francis’s vision is clear: the Church must strive to be a place where “everyone can belong and be accepted,” a Church for all. This spirit of inclusion, shared wisdom, and collective responsibility embodies the essence of a truly synodal Church.