The XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, held at the Vatican from October 2 to 27, 2024, marked a milestone in the development of a Church that is increasingly synodal and close to contemporary human realities. Under the motto “For a Synodal Church: communion, participation and mission”.the final document of the Assembly proposes a renewed model of Church, defined by journeying together, mutual listening and a shared mission. This event is the culmination of a synodal process that began in 2021, with the aim of rethinking the structure and role of the Church in a changing world.
At the heart of synodality: community and mission
The first part of the final document focuses on the concept of synodality as the natural way of being Church. Synodality does not only refer to a governance structure or a series of meetings, but is a way of living the faith, involving all members of the Church, from the lay faithful to the pastors. It emphasizes that the Christian community should be a “people of God” in which every member can contribute, be heard and be an active part of the life of the Church.
The Christian community should be a “people of God” in which each member can contribute, be heard and take an active part in the life of the Church.
The Assembly noted that a synodal Church is a community that learns to walk together, both inwardly, strengthening its relationships, and outwardly, responding to the needs of the world. This “walking together” implies a renewed commitment to social justice, peace and reconciliation, inspired by the Gospel and with the goal of being a light for all humanity. Furthermore, it is emphasized that synodality aims to promote a mission that is exercised in a co-responsible manner, where all, without exception, are protagonists of the proclamation of the Gospel.
Conversion of relationships and processes
One of the key elements of the document is the call for a conversion of relationships, both among the faithful and among the various levels of the Church. It insists on the importance of relationships based on listening and respect, promoting greater inclusion of traditionally marginalized voices, such as women, youth and those in situations of social or economic vulnerability. Synodality implies a conscious effort to overcome divisions and foster an inclusive and compassionate ecclesial community.
Conversion also refers to the decision-making processes within the Church. The text stresses the need to adopt forms of communal discernment, based on transparency and accountability, that allow the community to actively participate in the decisions that affect its life and mission. Discernment is presented as a fundamental practice for maintaining fidelity to the Gospel, preventing particular interests from prevailing over the common good.
Synodality implies a conscious effort to overcome divisions and foster an inclusive and compassionate ecclesial community.
Furthermore, the document underscores the importance of an ecclesial structure capable of guaranteeing effective consultation and decision-making processes that reflect the diversity of voices and the participation of all sectors of the People of God. The challenge is to ensure that decisions are truly the fruit of deep and communal listening, inspired by the Holy Spirit.
Synodal spirituality as social prophecy
The document also stresses that synodality not only has ecclesiastical implications, but is also a prophecy for society. In a global context marked by individualism, polarization and distrust of institutions, the Church is proposed as a sign of unity and a space where people can experience fraternity and mutual support. Synodality is seen as a counter-cultural witness that seeks to inspire new forms of human relationships, oriented towards the common good and the care of the planet, our common home.
The social dimension of synodality has the potential to offer concrete responses to global challenges such as the environmental crisis, economic inequalities and social exclusion. By living the synodal spirit, the Church can be an example of how to overcome divisions through dialogue and collaboration, creating networks of solidarity and support that contribute to the construction of a more just and equitable society.
The social dimension of synodality has the potential to offer concrete responses to global challenges.
Next steps and challenges
Finally, the document concludes that the synodal journey does not stop with the closing of the Assembly, but requires concrete implementation in local communities. Parishes, dioceses and episcopal conferences are called to follow this process of renewal, implementing effective forms of listening and participation that allow the construction of a more open and welcoming Church. 
The challenge is to transform the structure of the Church from within, so that it is consistent with its evangelical mission and capable of responding to the signs of the times.
The final document also invites local communities to seek creative and effective forms of formation in synodality that will enable all members of the Church to understand and live this process. It stresses the importance of formation in spiritual discernment, so that all the faithful can be an active part of the decision-making process and contribute to the growth of the community.
The importance of formation in spiritual discernment is emphasized.
The final document of the XVI General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops represents an invitation to the whole Church to be truly synodal: a community of brothers and sisters, diverse but united, open to the action of the Holy Spirit and committed to the mission of proclaiming the Gospel to the world. This synodal moment presents itself as an opportunity to rediscover the Church’s communitarian identity and to renew its commitment to humanity, especially to the poorest and most marginalized. Synodality is not simply a methodology of ecclesial work, but a way of being Church that reinforces the sense of belonging and co-responsibility in the common mission of announcing the Kingdom of God.