The General Secretariat of the Synod published new reports that propose changes in the relationship between bishops and consecrated life communities, as well as greater participation of the laity. Study Group No. 6 calls for the creation of mandatory diocesan cooperation agreements, capable of regulating mission, formation, gender equality, remuneration and patrimony management. The report suggests the appointment of a vicar for consecrated life in each diocese and demands synodal accompaniment during the most delicate transitions, processes affecting institutions facing a decrease in vocations or the inevitable suppression of communities.
Study Group No. 7 reviews the ad limina visits, regular meetings of bishops with the Pope and Holy See bodies, arguing that these cannot exclusively deal with matters relating to internal administration. The commission invites diocesan leaders to involve the Catholic community in the preparation of these visits in a co-responsible manner, through ecclesial discernment. The document considers it desirable that a diocesan representation accompany the bishop on the trip to the Vatican and states that the Holy See should periodically constitute an independent ecclesial commission for the evaluation of the entire process.
Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary-general of the Synod, states that there is no mission without converted relationships, pointing to the ability of everyone to listen to one another and exchange gifts as a rule of functioning. The documents clarify that the texts do not represent closed decisions, and it is up to the competent services to translate the indications into operational proposals to be submitted to the Holy Father.
The ten reflection groups were instituted by Pope Francis in March 2024 to assess the level of practical collaboration between the Roman Curia and the synodal structure. Pope Leo XIV ordered the publication of the documents to share the fruit of discernment and fulfill the requirement to ensure transparency and accountability.
