Can't revolution stop? Francis published a message concerning the Synod Final Document

“The final paper is part of the average Magisterium of the Successor of St Peter”, wrote Francis in a note on the Final paper of the Synod. He added that it contains indications which, in the light of its basic assumptions, can already be accepted in the local Churches and in groups of Churches, taking into account various contexts.

Below we print the full text of the note in the translation into Polish:

Accompanying note

Father Saint Francis.

At various moments of the Synodic Way, which I started in October 2021, we listened to what the Holy Spirit was saying to the Churches at the time.

The final paper of the 16th average General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops collects the fruits of the way set by listening to God’s people and discerning shepherds. Guided by the light of the Holy Spirit, the full Church was called upon to read her experience and find the steps to be taken to live in communion, to carry out participation and to make the mission entrusted to him by Jesus Christ.

The synodal path, which began in the local Churches, then passed through the national and continental stages to yet arrive at the gathering of the Synod of Bishops in 2 sessions – October 2023 and October 2024. Now this road continues in the local Churches and in the groups of Churches, drawing from the vault of the Final Document, which on October 26 was adopted and approved by the Assembly in all its parts. I besides approved it and, by signing it, ordered its publication, uniting with the “we” Assembly, which through the Final paper addresses the holy and faithful People of God.

Recognising the value of the synodal path, I now entrust the full Church with the indications contained in the Final Document. They are the fruit of maturing in listening and discerning over these years and constitute an authoritative focus for his life and mission.

The final paper is part of the average Magisterium of the Successor of St. Peter (Episcopalis Communio, 18 § 1; KKK 892) and as specified I ask that it be accepted. It represents the form of the authentic teaching of the Bishop of Rome, which bears certain features of novelty, but actually corresponds to what I had the chance to explain on 17 October 2015. At the time, I found that synodity was the right explanation framework for knowing hierarchical ministry.

By approving the paper on 26 October, I said that "it is not strictly normative" and that "its implementation will require various mediations". However, this does not mean that he no longer obliges the Churches to make decisions in accordance with his instructions. Local churches and groups of Churches are now called upon to implement the authoritative indications contained in the paper in its various contexts. This should be done through process of discernment and decision-making, both legally and in accordance with the paper itself.

I besides added that "it takes time to see the decisions that will encompass the full Church." This concerns in peculiar the subjects assigned to the 10 survey groups to which they may join in order to prepare the essential decisions. The 16th average General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops does not mean the end of the synod process.

With conviction, I mention here to what I indicated at the end of the synodic path, which led to promotion Amoris laetitia (19 March 2016): “Not all doctrinal, moral, or pastoral discussions should be decided by Magisterium interventions. Of course, in the Church there is simply a request for unity of doctrine and action, but it does not prevent there from being different ways of interpreting certain aspects of teaching or any of the consequences thereof. This will be the case until the Spirit leads us to the full fact (cf. Jn 16:13), that is, erstwhile He brings us full into the mystery of Christ and we can see all of His sight. In addition, in any country or region, more inculturation-related solutions that are delicate to traditions and local challenges can be sought" (AL 3).

The final paper contains indications which, in the light of its basic assumptions, can already be accepted in the local Churches and in the groups of Churches, taking into account the various contexts, what has already been done, and what remains to be done to increasingly assimilate and make the appropriate kind of the Synodal and Missionary Church.

In many cases, it is about real implementation of what is already provided for in existing law, both Latin and Eastern. In another situations, it will be possible, through synodic discernment and within the capabilities indicated in the Final Document, to creatively launch fresh forms of service and mission activities, with their experimental implementation and evaluation. In the reports required for the visit ad limine each bishop will guarantee that the choices made in the local church entrusted to him are communicated in relation to the indications of the Final Document, the difficulties encountered and the consequences of these actions.

The task of accompanying the “phase of implementation” of the Synod Route, based on the indications contained in the Final Document, was entrusted to the General Secretariat of the Synod in cooperation with the dicastery of the Roman Curia (cf. EC 19-21).

The Synodic Way of the Catholic Church, besides inspired by the desire to proceed the way towards the full and visible unity of Christians, “needs the sharing of the word to be accompanied by deeds” (A Speech at the end of the XVI average General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, 26 October 2024). May the Holy Spirit, the gift of the risen, support and guide the full Church in this way. He, who is harmony, let him continually rejuvenate the Church with the power of the Gospel, renew it, and lead to perfect union with the Bridegroom (cf. LG 4). For the Spirit and the Bride say to the Lord Jesus, “Come!” (cf. Rev. 22:17).

24 November 2024

Celebration of Jesus Christ, King of the Universe

Francis

Source: KAI, Vatican News

TG