Synod on Synodality Updates and Latest News

The Synod on Synodality, initiated by Pope Francis in October 2021, is a multiyear process initiated by Pope Francis to enhance the communion, participation, and mission of the Church. The Catholic Church’s massive synodal process has already undergone diocesan, national, and continental stages. It culminates in two global assemblies at the Vatican. The first monthlong session of the Synod on Synodality, concluded on Oct. 29, 2023, with the finalization of a 42-page synthesis report. The October 2024 session is expected to produce a final report, which will be presented to Pope Francis for his consideration in issuing any related teaching.

The Latest

Pope Francis prays during the Synod on Synodality closing Mass on Oct. 27, 2024, in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican.

CNA explains: What is the Catholic Church’s newly announced 2028 ‘ecclesial assembly’?

Mar 19, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

The process will involve a multiyear “accompaniment and evaluation process” leading to a Church-wide assembly at the Vatican in October... Read more

Pope Francis addresses bishops gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican for the Synod on Synodality closing Mass on Oct. 27, 2024.

Vatican announces plans for 2028 Church postsynodal assembly

Mar 15, 2025

By AC Wimmer

Pope Francis has approved a three-year synodal process ending with a postsynodal ecclesial assembly in 2028, which will foster dialogue,... Read more

Pope Francis meets with other delegates of the Synod on Synodality at a roundtable discussion in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Oct. 17, 2024.

Synod on Synodality study groups discuss progress at Vatican meeting

Feb 18, 2025

By Hannah Brockhaus

Formed in 2024 at Pope Francis’ request, the study groups are intended to deepen the theological, pastoral, and canonical reflections... Read more

Cardinal Joseph Tobin, archbishop of Newark, New Jersey.

Cardinal Tobin announces synodal ‘pastoral conversion’ initiative for Archdiocese of Newark

Jan 8, 2025

By Madalaine Elhabbal

“Pastoral conversion requires nothing more or less than our willingness to be open to what God’s word is saying to... Read more

Eucharistic Adoration at Lucas Oil Stadium during the National Eucharistic Congress in Indianapolis, July 17-21, 2024.

CNA’s top Catholic news stories of 2024

Dec 31, 2024

By Francesca Pollio Fenton

2024 was filled with memorable and impactful moments for Catholics around the world.  Read more

Members of the German Synodal Committee meet for their third session at the Wilhelm-Kempf-Haus in Wiesbaden-Naurod, Dec. 13, 2024.

Church in Germany pushes toward a national synodal body

Dec 17, 2024

By AC Wimmer

At a meeting Dec. 13–14 in Wiesbaden, delegates discussed drafting the composition of a body that initially was proposed to... Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims at his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on Oct. 9, 2024.

Pope Francis: Synod on Synodality document part of magisterium, calls for implementation now

Nov 26, 2024

By Tyler Arnold

“[The final document] participates in the ordinary magisterium of the successor of Peter, and as such, I ask that it... Read more

Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín is one of the key figures of the Synod on Synodality. Pope Francis appointed him its undersecretary.

Synod on Synodality undersecretary: Deposit of faith doesn’t change and cannot change

With the recent meeting in Rome already concluded and the final document issued, Bishop Luis Marín de San Martín discussed... Read more

Pope Francis speaks to the academic community at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome on Nov. 5, 2024.

Pope Francis at Gregorian University warns of ‘Coca-Cola spirituality’

Speaking at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome, the pope told faculty and students to avoid superficial approaches to faith... Read more

Delegates at the 2024 Synod on Synodality participate in roundtable meetings on Oct. 10, 2024, in the Paul VI Hall at the Vatican.

4 German bishops praise Rome synod, criticize German Synodal Way

Nov 4, 2024

By CNA Deutsch

The statement of the four bishops said “the goals of the German Synodal Way and the global Church process of... Read more

An academic congress — “From the Council to the Synod: Rereading a Church’s Journey, 60 Years on Since Lumen Gentium (1964–2024)” — was hosted by the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from Oct. 28–30, 2024.

In Rome, theologians reflect on ‘reception’ stage of Synod on Synodality

Oct 30, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

The academic congress was hosted by the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome from Oct. 28–30. Read more

Pope Francis speaks at a Mass and canonization of 14 new saints in St. Peter's Square on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024

Live updates: Synod on Synodality concludes with Pope Francis forgoing apostolic exhortation

Oct 27, 2024

By AC Wimmer

Follow EWTN News’ live coverage of the 2024 Synod on Synodality at the Vatican. Get real-time updates, expert analysis, and... Read more

Pope Francis addresses bishops gathered in St. Peter’s Basilica at the Vatican for the Synod on Synodality closing Mass on Oct. 27, 2024.

In synod closing Mass, Pope Francis calls for ‘a Church that hears the cry of the world’

Oct 27, 2024

By Courtney Mares

At the Synod on Synodality closing Mass on Sunday, Pope Francis said that a synodal Church must be “on the... Read more

Pope Francis gives a blessing to participants at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality at the Vatican, Oct. 26, 2024.

10 questions (and answers) about the Synod on Synodality’s final document

Oct 27, 2024

By Jonathan Liedl

From its magisterial status to proposals on Church governance, here are answers to the most pressing questions about the synod’s... Read more

Participants of the Synod on Synodality gather for a group photo on Oct. 26, 2024.

The Synod on Synodality’s final document: What you need to know

Oct 26, 2024

By Almudena Martínez-Bordiú

The text also addresses accountability measures, calling for enhanced financial transparency, and protocols for abuse prevention. Read more

In a surprising move at the conclusion of the Synod on Synodality on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024, Pope Francis ratified the final report, approved its immediate publication, and said he will not publish a separate postsynodal document.

Pope Francis ratifies Synod on Synodality’s final document, marking new approach to Church reform

Oct 26, 2024

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis has announced that the final Synod on Synodality document will be adopted without a traditional papal exhortation. Read more

Pope Francis meets with other delegates of the Synod on Synodality at a roundtable discussion in Paul VI Hall at the Vatican on Oct. 17, 2024.

‘We walk together’: U.S. bishops reflect on last global session of Synod on Synodality

Oct 26, 2024

By Kristina Millare

“We walk together and, of course for us, we walk together with Christ,” Archbishop Timothy Broglio said. Read more

Cardinal-elect Tarcisio Isao Kikuchi speaks to CNA on Friday, Oct. 18, 2024, in Rome.

Tokyo’s new cardinal shares what he is looking for in the next pope

Oct 26, 2024

By Courtney Mares

“If a conclave happens very soon, I think what we need is somebody to succeed the policy of Pope Francis,”... Read more

Theologian Myriam Wijlens, a Synod on Synodality consultant, speaks at an Oct. 23, 2024, press briefing, where she emphasized that Pope Francis has called for “reconfiguring the Church in a synodal way.”

Analysis: What will the final document of the Synod on Synodality be like?

Oct 24, 2024

By Andrea Gagliarducci

The Synod on Synodality final document is set to be discussed and voted on this weekend. What will be in... Read more

Cardinal Michael Czerny, SJ, on the set of EWTN News live from at the Synod on Synodality, Oct. 22, 2024.

Cardinal Czerny: Legacy of Synod on Synodality will be a ‘refreshed’ missionary Church

Oct 24, 2024

By Kristina Millare

“The central insight of Vatican II is that we are all enjoying equal dignity as Christians by our baptism,” Canadian... Read more