Note of the General Secretariat of the Synod
on the Study Groups on relevant issues emerging from the First Session
of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops

The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops brought to light a number of significant issues for the synodal renewal of the Church, with theological, pastoral and juridical implications that could not be adequately explored during the Assembly’s proceedings. By mandate of Pope Francis (cf. Chirograf of 16 February 2024 and Letter to Cardinal Mario Grech of 22 February 2024), the General Secretariat of the Synod, together with the Prefects of the competent Dicasteries, entrusted these matters to ten Study Groups, composed of pastors and experts from all continents, with the task of formulating – according to an authentic synodal approach – opinions and proposals to be submitted to the Holy Father. The work of the Study Groups was accompanied by that of two additional Groups and three Commissions[1].

Nature and publication of the Final Reports

The Final Reports are the fruit of a structured process: the listening to diverse competencies and professional expertise, the analysis of numerous contributions, academic research, dialogue with various ecclesial bodies – rom Episcopal Conferences to Catholic universities – and, above all, discernment and prayer. They are to be understood as working documents.

The Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV, has directed that the Final Reports be published progressively, as they are presented to the General Secretariat of the Synod, in a spirit of transparency (cf. FD, no. 97).

Operational follow-up

In order that the content that has emerged may be translated into concrete orientations, decisions and processes, the Holy Father has requested the competent Dicasteries and the General Secretariat of the Synod to draw up, on the basis of the Final Reports, operative proposals, also giving an account of the choices made and of any elements not received. This joint effort ensures coherence with the synodal dynamism and rootedness in the Church’s missionary perspective.

The operative proposals thus formulated will be submitted to the Holy Father, who will evaluate and may approve them.

Conclusion of the mandate

With the submission of the Final Report to the General Secretariat of the Synod, the Study Groups that have delivered it conclude the mandate entrusted to them and are therefore to be considered dissolved.

The General Secretariat expresses its heartfelt gratitude to all those who have generously and competently dedicated themselves to the work of the Groups, in particular to the Coordinators and Secretaries who have guided, in a truly synodal manner, a process as demanding as it has been fruitful.

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[1] These include the Study Groups on The Liturgy in a Synodal Perspective (cf. FD, no. 27) and on The Statute of Episcopal Conferences, Ecclesial Assemblies and Particular Councils (cf. FD, nos. 124–129), established by Pope Leo XIV; the Canonical Commission; the SECAM Commission on Polygamy; and the recent Eastern Canonical Commission.