Reference

The Synod of Bishops plays a significant role in the governance of the Catholic Church by serving as an advisory body to the Pope. Established by Pope Paul VI in 1965, the Synod is designed to foster a closer collaboration between the Pope and the bishops worldwide. It provides a forum for bishops to discuss important issues facing the Church and to share experiences and insights from their respective regions.

The Synod of Bishops is not a legislative body; rather, it functions in a consultative capacity. Its primary purpose is to offer counsel to the Pope on various matters, ranging from theological and pastoral issues to social and cultural challenges affecting the Church and its mission. The Synod can also propose solutions and strategies to address these issues.

The Synod of Bishops meets in general assemblies, which can be ordinary, extraordinary, or special. Ordinary general assemblies are held at regular intervals and focus on broad themes relevant to the Church. Extraordinary general assemblies are convened to address urgent matters, while special assemblies are organized for specific regions or topics.

During a Synod assembly, bishops and other participants engage in discussions, debates, and reflections on the selected theme. At the conclusion of the assembly, the participants submit their recommendations to the Pope, who may choose to incorporate them into an apostolic exhortation or other official documents.

Overall, the Synod of Bishops enhances the collegiality and unity of the Church by facilitating dialogue and cooperation among its leaders, ultimately supporting the Pope in his role as the spiritual leader of the global Catholic community.