Synod: Interim reports of Study Groups published

By Salvatore Cernuzio

Twenty months after their establishment at the behest of Pope Francis – who wanted closer collaboration between the Dicasteries of the Roman Curia and the General Secretariat of the Synod – the ten Study Groups called upon to examine the issues that emerged during the two sessions of the Synod on Synodality released their Interim Reports today, 17 November. This is a step forward after the presentation of the first reports during the second session of the assembly in October 2024.

Two new groups

The topics are varied: from mission in the digital world to ministries and women’s participation in the Church; from relations between Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church to the role of nuncios and the choice of bishops; from ecumenism to “controversial” doctrinal issues – better defined as “emerging” issues – such as violence against women in the context of war.

Along with the reports, the contributions of the Canon Law Commission and SECAM (Symposium of Episcopal Conferences of Africa and Madagascar) on the challenge of polygamy, as well as that of the Group on Liturgy in a Synodal Perspective, were also presented for the first time. The latter is one of two new groups desired by Pope Leo XIV in light of the Final Document, and which began work at the end of July 2025. The other is still being formed and concerns the Statutes of Episcopal Conferences, Ecclesial Assemblies, and Particular Councils.

Extension of the deadline for submitting final reports

All the Groups were asked to submit their reflections to the Pope by the end of June 2025. The death of Francis, the election of Pope Leo and the need for more time for the work made it necessary to extend the deadline. Last July, Leo XIV granted the extension and asked that the final reports be submitted to him, “as far as possible,” by 31 December 2025. “Some groups are now nearing completion of their work, while others will continue in the months ahead,” writes Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, in an accompanying note.

Relations with the Eastern Churches

The first report, on the relations between the Eastern Catholic Churches and the Latin Church, was prepared by Study Group 1, whose members were selected by the Dicastery for the Eastern Churches. A questionnaire of 25 questions, “proposals and suggestions” formulated by the Council of Catholic Patriarchs of the Middle East, and a consultation on “topics of common interest” indicated the work of Group 1 and the Preparatory Group, which focused solely on the pastoral care of Eastern faithful in the diaspora that lack a hierarchy. Among the topics that the Group intends to develop is the possible revision of the norms of Eastern Canon Law.

The cry of the poor and the earth

Four women and three men, including religious and lay people from five continents, worked in Study Group 2 on the theme of listening “to the cry of the poor and the earth”. The members contacted numerous networks and local churches, held several meetings on Zoom, and, in the report formulated so far, they brought together the suggestions of bishops, theologians, and pastoral workers.

The Group also consulted the UISG, collected over 200 contributions from women’s religious institutes, and dialogued with the Office for Disability of the Australian Bishops’ Conference on the participation of persons with disabilities in the life of the Church.

The final report is currently being drafted; meanwhile, in this “feedback loop,” each member of the Group is committed to “engage with people of communities made poor or marginalised in their continent of origin.”

Mission in the digital environment

In response to the Synod’s call for synodality, Study Group 3 explored the question of the Church’s mission in the digital environment, focusing on listening to a wide range of voices: representatives of the Holy See, theologians, communication experts, and academics. Group 3 also consulted 84 Communication Offices of the Bishops’ Conferences, coordinated by the Dicastery for Communication.

The initiative “The Church Listens to You” was also launched, featuring the experiences of digital accompaniment by 1,618 digital missionaries from 67 countries with young people and those living on the margins.

The dialogue with the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors, whose members highlighted ethical and protection issues in digital contexts, was also important.

To improve dynamics, three thematic working groups were established, bringing together scholars, pastoral experts, digital creators, and young people under 35 from every corner of the world. Work is now underway on the final report, which will also be updated with the results that emerged during the Jubilee of Catholic Influencers.

The revision of the Ratio on priestly formation

A long journey is outlined in the report of Study Group 4, dedicated to the Ratio Fundamentalis Institutionis Sacerdotalis, the 2016 document on priestly formation.

The perspective is that of a synodal revision of the Ratio, taking into account, however, that the Ratio is “a recent document still in the process of being received,” which “has already introduced significant innovations related to the Churchàs synodal and missionary dimensions.” At the moment, Ratio Nationalis are being prepared (some have already been confirmed by the Dicastery for the Clergy, others are being drafted); therefore, a complete overhaul of the Ratio does not currently seem appropriate.”

At the same time, the report of Group 4 highlights the fact that there are “a series of needs” in the current change of era, which cannot be ignored.” Among these are the need for a formation “more deeply rooted in the lived experience of the People of God”; “joint formation moments involving lay people, consecrated persons, ordained ministers, and seminarians; and greater participation of women and families in the formation of ordained ministers.

All this leads us to consider the possibility of drafting a Preliminary Document to the Ratio Fundamentalis. This should also take into account “important encouragements” made by participants in the Synod since October 2024, including the challenges of social networks and AI and the configuration of seminaries.

The participation of women in the life of the Church

In line with the indications of the General Secretariat of the Synod, the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith – which corresponds with Group 5 – is proceeding with the drafting of the final report on the specific topic of “the participation of women in the life and leadership of the Church.” The Dicastery has collected and evaluated a “vast body” of material, and has also “actively invited the contributions of numerous women who are already significantly involved in the mission and leadership of the Church.”

More specifically, the final report will consist of a summary of the main findings and convergences on the theme of the role of women, as well as an appendix cataloguing the “substantial material” received by the Dicastery, organised into seven parts, which include the testimonies of women who participate in the leadership of the Church or work in the Roman Curia; critical tensions regarding clericalism and male chauvinism; and the contribution of Pope Francis and Pope Leo XIV concerning the role of women in the Church.

The first draft of the report was discussed with the Consultors of the Dicastery as early as July 2025. Their contribution will also be used in the second part.

With regard to the question of “women’s access to the diaconate,” an issue for which Pope Francis has “reactivated” the work of the Second Study Commission on the Female Diaconate, the interim report explains that “all synodal contributions related to this subject have been forwarded to that Commission for its consideration.”

“The Dicastery expects to deliver, without delay, the final outcome of its work in the coming months.”

Relations between bishops, consecrated life, ecclesial associations

The work of Study Group 6 was divided into three thematic subgroups that analysed the relationships between bishops and consecrated persons, the collaboration between Episcopal Conferences and Conferences of Major Superiors, and the relationships between ecclesial associations and local Churches.

Bishops, consecrated men and women, lay men and women from different geographical areas exchanged views, based on the Magisterium and direct experiences.

After dialogues, interviews, questionnaires, and discussions (not without some “challenges”), the subgroups drew up a summary report and proceeded to draft the final report. In this last stage, the Unions of Superiors General (UISG and USG) and the competent Dicasteries will also be heard.

The figure and ministry of the Bishop

The criteria for selecting candidates for the episcopate, with the participation of the bishops of the territory and the faithful; the initial and ongoing formation of bishops; the judicial function of the pastor; the nature and conduct of ad limina visits: these are the guidelines that have guided the work of Study Group 7, which has listened to about 200 individuals in recent months. The team has met monthly since the end of the second session of the Synod.

On the subject of the selection of candidates for the episcopate, the Group obtained from Pope Francis, through the then-Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost, Prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, “the faculty to examine the confidential Instructions” sent to the Nunciatures “concerning the procedure for episcopal appointments within the territories under the jurisdiction” of the Dicastery for Bishops and the Dicastery for Evangelisation.”

During the Synod in the Vatican, the Group consulted about 80 members who formulated questions and expectations. On one occasion, an “expert in the selection of executive personnel in international companies was invited to present a report, to draw useful insights from the procedures employed in civil society.”

The presidents of the episcopates and papal representatives were then asked for their opinions through questionnaires. Laymen and women were also consulted in writing, and about 25 voluntary contributions sent to the Synod Secretariat were examined.

From this extensive consultation, the Group reached a consensus on certain perspectives; for example, that of fostering “greater investment in the formation of the People of God” and “more incisive involvement” of Bishops in local Churches.

The role of Nuncios

Study Group 8 was tasked with “examining how the ministry of Papal Representatives … can unfold in a more missionary and synodal perspective.” The mandate resulted in numerous meetings at the headquarters of the General Secretariat of the Synod in Rome or via Zoom.

First, a special meeting was convened with the presidents of the Episcopal Conferences present at the October 2024 Synod. Of the 61 present, 45 participated; others had personal interviews with members of the Group. A webinar was then organised with nuncios from around the world to discuss synodality (87 participants).

A letter signed by Cardinal Grech and Cardinal Oswald Gracias, Archbishop Emeritus of Bombay (India), was also sent to the presidents of the various episcopates, inviting them to offer suggestions regarding the ministry of nuncios. Another letter was sent to the diplomats themselves, inviting them to offer comments and suggestions. In both cases, the responses were positive and of great value.

The current phase is therefore one of elaboration, analysis, and sharing of content with the members of the Study Group. Considering the geographical distances involved, this will take some time, but it is expected that the final report will be delivered by the end of December 2025.

Areas of focus include: the selection process for candidates for Academia and their formation; assistance to members of the Diplomatic Service in their early years of service; regional meetings between nuncios; and care after retirement.

Controversial doctrinal, pastoral and ethical issues

“A conversion of thought and a transformation of practices in contextual fidelity to the Gospel of Jesus” was the starting point for the work of Study Group 9 on controversial doctrinal, pastoral, and ethical issues.

It also addressed issues that seemed more appropriate to define as “emerging” rather than controversial, such as “homosexuality, conflicts and non-violent practice of the Gospel, and violence against women in situations of armed conflict.”

The report specifies that the objective is not “to provide solutions that apply to all cases, but rather to offer reference criteria.” The horizon is the “principle of pastorality,” i.e. the logic that “to the logic whereby there can be no proclamation of the Gospel of God without recognizing and promoting the subjectivity of the other, along with an attitude of hospitality and responsibility toward the interlocutor.”

The ecumenical journey

Synodality and Christian unity are two interdependent themes. Starting from this principle, Group 10 explored the fruits of the ecumenical journey with reference to three issues: synodality and Petrine primacy; Eucharistic hospitality, with particular attention to interconfessional couples and families; the phenomenon of “non-denominational” communities and Christian-inspired “revival” movements.

After developing a theological and pastoral framework, consultations are underway with the Dicastery for Promoting Christian Unity; with ecumenical communities such as Taizé, Chemin Neuf, Focolari; and with theologians from different continents.

The goal is to draw up “practical orientations for local Churches, contributing to both the synodal shaping of the Catholic Church and the advancement of the ecumenical journey towards full visible unity.”

Liturgy in a synodal perspective

Another Study Group – commissioned, as mentioned, by the Pope – is the one on liturgy, which is presenting its work for the first time.

Coordinated by the Dicastery for Divine Worship, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod, the team will carry out its mandate starting from a reflection on the link between the Eucharistic celebration and the synodal missionary life of the Church.

Among the topics under consideration is how to promote “in particular the recognition of the role of women, especially where they continue to suffer forms of discrimination, including through the highlighting in the liturgical lectionaries of scriptural testimonies about the role of women in the history of salvation.”

Canon Law Commission

In addition to the interim reports of the ten Study Groups, there is also that of the Canon Law Commission, established during the first Session of the Synod in 2023. Since then, the Commission has met eight times and addressed the themes of laity/women; Episcopal Conferences/Particular Councils; and participatory bodies. The possibility of revisions to the current legislation is being evaluated.

Polygamy

On the issue of polygamy, the Church in Africa has set up a group of experts within SECAM. Twelve specialists from islands and regions, experts in canon law, anthropology, biblical studies, and pastoral care, are reflecting on how “to promote theological and pastoral discernment regarding polygamy and to accompany persons in polygamous unions who are coming to the faith.”

The methodology adopted has been developed in three stages: “listening, appreciating, and engaging.”

The central questions are: “What pastoral care is appropriate for those found in polygamous relationships according to the Gospel? What pastoral initiatives can support Christians in embracing monogamous marriage?”

The group also drew up a preliminary document shared with the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, which gave “encouraging feedback” along with “specific considerations to be addressed.” The text is therefore undergoing further revision and, for this reason, has not been sent to the national Episcopal Conferences. However, it was presented and discussed by bishops and theologians during the SECAM plenary meeting in Kigali (Rwanda) last summer.

Read the full text of the Interim Reports of the Study Groups at the website of the Synod.