On November 25, 2024, Pope Francis published an Accompanying Note to the final document of the Synod on Synodality, held in Rome throughout the month of October. In it, he reaffirms what he had said on October 26, at the close of the Synod: he will not draft a post-synodal apostolic exhortation.
The Note makes this explicit: “Recognizing the value of the synodal journey accomplished, I now entrust to the entire Church the indications contained in the final document, as a restitution of what has matured over these years, through listening and discernment, and as an authoritative orientation for its life and mission.”
Given its approval by the Pope, the final document therefore constitutes “an exercise of the authentic teaching of the Bishop of Rome,” in accordance with his speech of October 17, 2015 on the relationship between synodality and hierarchy, Francis recalls. The local Churches are now called to start work on this text, “through the processes of discernment and decision provided for by law and by the document itself,” he explains.
“The conclusion of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops does not put an end to the synodal process,” he insists, indicating without further details that other groups could be added to the ten study groups already established “with a view to necessary decisions.” – Clearly, the synod is over in Rome, but everything begins on the ground.
Francis adds: “The final document contains indications which, in the light of its fundamental orientations, can already be implemented in the local Churches and groups of Churches, taking into account the different contexts, what has already been done and what remains to be done.”
According to him, “It will be possible to proceed, through synodal discernment and within the framework of the possibilities indicated by the final document, to the creative activation of new forms of ministry and missionary action, by experimenting and submitting the experiences to verification.”
Beyond the jargon that operates here like a smokescreen, there is indeed a desire to impose on the bishops an obligation of results: the Church must become “synodal” [that is, more “inclusive,” less “hierarchical,” according to the current jargon], and the mitered officials must show themselves zealous.
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