Synodality is a style, a culture, a way of thinking and being, that reflects the truth that the Church is led by the Holy Spirit who enables everyone to offer their own contribution to the Church’s life. This synod process seeks to “strengthen cooperation” in all areas of the Church’s mission, to enhance communion, participation and mission.
While “Synodality is an expression of the Church’s nature, her form, style and mission”(Pope Francis, 18 September 2021), the Church in our day lacks the habit and practice of synodality. This is what Pope Francis invites us to examine and discern for the future.
Synodality is also reflected in a synodal style of governance, in which people participate in decision making, share responsibility for the Church’s mission , and cooperate and collaborate more in the day-to-day life of the Church. Some call this “co-responsibility.” Church is neither a monarchy nor a democracy. Pope Francis has made clear that the synod is not a parliament, or a convention, or an opinion survey. Although it has many elements familiar to political and similar processes – listening, speaking, taking votes – what differentiates a Synod is that it is a spiritual process that takes place within the Church. “The Synod is an ecclesial event, and its protagonist is the Holy Spirit. If the Spirit is not present, there will be no Synod” (Pope Francis, 09 October 2021).
Pope Leo, like Pope Francis, has clarified that synodality does not diminish the authority of the Pope, bishops and priests but rather enhances co-responsibility for the mission of the Church, with the faithful collaborating in charting the Church’s direction. Synodality is a way of de-centralizing and sharing decision-making while maintaining the Church’s doctrinal integrity.
