Introduction
The Canonical Commission was established during the First Session of the 16th Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops in October 2023. Its initial purpose was to listen to the “spirit of the Synod,” to evaluate the procedures, and to understand what the members of the Synod Assembly were proposing and presenting for reflection to the entire Church.
Since then, the Commission has met eight times, both in person and online, seeking to build upon the synodal journey and to work on the themes that emerged during the October 2023 and October 2024 Sessions.
Method
The synodal style of the Commission’s meetings was characterized by dialogue and listening. There was discussion on the topics that emerged during the Synod Sessions and those proposed for reflection by the members of the Assembly. It is precisely through and with listening that the synodal style developed within the Canonical Commission – listening to all the areas of expertise represented within the Commission and listening to the experiences accumulated over many years of canonical service in various ecclesial contexts.
In particular, the following topics were addressed, divided into three categories. These were explored in light of the Final Document of the October 2024 General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, and the Commission evaluated the need or opportunity to propose revisions to the current canonical norms:
1. LAITY/WOMAN: studied Final Document nos. 60, 71, 76, and 77, with specific reference to canons 145, 204, 208, 212, 228, 230, 275, 476, 483, 1421, and 1425.
2. EPISCOPAL CONFERENCES / PARTICULAR COUNCILS: studied Final Document nos. 71, 76, and 129, with specific reference to canons 403, 440, 443, 446, 450, and 1112.
3. PARTICIPATORY BODIES: studied Final Document nos. 84, 91, 92, 93, 94, 101, 102, 103, 106, and 108, with specific reference to canons 127, 399, 461, 463, 466, 493, 495, 500, 511, 512, 514, 536, and 537.
Recommendations
Regarding the aforementioned topics, specific proposals have been formulated and will be presented in completed form, using a comparative approach between the current norms and the proposed ones, including the rationale for the possible changes.
The Commission remains fully available to analyse theological issues presented by the existing Study Groups and to offer canonical interpretations. However, to date, no such requests have been received.
Coordinator: H. Exc. Msgr. Filippo Iannone, O. Carm.