On Monday, 7 July, the General Secretariat of the Synod will release the “Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod,” a comprehensive document designed to assist local Churches worldwide in bringing to life the principles and decisions arising from the Synod on Synodality.
Approval of the “Pathways” document follows the first in-person meeting of the XVI Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat of the Synod, held between 26 and 27 June 2025 at the Vatican.
Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, as a member of the General Council of the Synod, was present in Rome for the meetings.
The document, explained the General Secretariat, serves as a means of fostering dialogue between local Churches and the General Secretariat of the Synod through promoting the exchange of experiences among the Churches.
The “Pathways” document, structured into four chapters, aims to provide an interpretive guide for the implementation phase of the synodal process.
Focussing on the intended recipients, notably the diocesan bishop and the synodal teams, the document offers a set of fundamental criteria to help ensure that local implementation remains in harmony with that of the universal Church.
Originating from the Final Document of the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, the implementation phase is the result of listening and discernment carried out since the beginning of the synodal process.
In a statement from General Secretariat, the implementation phase was emphasised as belonging above all to the local Churches, who are called to “implement, in their different contexts, the authoritative proposals contained in the Document through the processes of discernment and decision-making provided for by law and by the Document itself”
However, in order to safeguard the underlying ecclesiological vision and foundational criteria of the Final Document, the document approved by the Ordinary Council is to be understood as a set of guidelines developed in response to questions received in recent months by the General Secretariat of the Synod.
Pope Leo XIV, serving as President of the General Secretariat, participated in the afternoon session on 26 June, engaging in dialogue with Council members about the synodal journey’s progress across different continents.
The meeting, opened by Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, also included updates on the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, the work of Study Groups established by Pope Francis, and various ongoing activities within local Churches.
Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies
Regarding the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, it has been decided to extend the registration deadline to 31 July 2025.
With satisfaction, it was noted that registrations received so far come from all five continents.
The official program is currently being developed and will include formation sessions and opportunities for exchange among various synodal realities.
Ongoing Activities in Local Churches
As for activities within local Churches, a strong sense of dynamism has been observed in many dioceses across the globe.
Many have already enthusiastically and creatively begun the implementation journey. Formation in synodality – especially for the lay faithful and pastoral workers – has become one of the defining aspects of recent months.
Numerous schools of synodality have been established, serving as platforms through which local Churches are educating the faithful in listening, communal and ecclesial discernment, and co-responsibility.
Study Groups
Finally, the Council members were updated on the work of the Study Groups established by Pope Francis following the First Session of the XVI General Assembly.
These Groups had originally been tasked with submitting the results of their reflections to the Holy Father by the end of June 2025.
However, due to the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, there have been delays.
Some Groups have requested additional time.
In agreement with the Holy Father, it has been decided to extend the deadline for submitting the final reports to 31 December 2025.
Nonetheless, in keeping with a synodal approach marked by transparency and a desire for accountability, the Study Groups have been asked to submit a brief interim report to the General Secretariat by the end of June 2025.
These reports will be published on the General Secretariat’s website as they are received.
The meeting, which took place in a spirit of deep fraternity, concluded in the late afternoon of Friday, 27 June.
The next meeting of the Ordinary Council is scheduled for the afternoon of Sunday, 26 October, and the entire day on Monday, 28 October 2025.
The Pathways for the Implementation Phase of the Synod will be available on the website of the General Secretariat (www.synod.va) on Monday, 7 July 2025.