By Christopher Wells

Over the past week and a half, a group of twenty theologians from around the world have gathered in Rome to analyze the responses of the People of God to the synthesis report produced by the first session of the General Assembly of the Synod on Synodality.

The theologians concluded their work on Friday, according to a press release from the general secretariat of the synod.

The joy of the journey

“The Holy People of God have been set in motion for mission thanks to the synodal experience. The reports included enthusiastic and creative responses, but also some with resistance and concern,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, the general rapporteur of the General Assembly.

“However, most reports show the joy of the journey that has revitalized many local communities and also brought about significant changes in their way of life and church,” he explained, adding: “The seeds of the synodal Church are already sprouting!”

A global answer

The theologians studied more than a hundred reports from bishops’ conferences and Eastern Catholic churches, as well as contributions from the USG-UISG and the meeting of pastors for the synod that took place from April 28 to May 2.

Responses from international organizations, university faculties, associations of believers, and individual communities and individuals were also reviewed, with a view to producing the Instrumentum labor(working document) that will guide the work of the second session of the General Assembly.

A different look

The work of the theologians was led by two special secretaries of the XVI General Assembly, the Italian theologians Mgr. Riccardo Battocchio and Father Giacomo Costa, SJ.

“The Instrumentum labor because the second session of the XVIth Assembly will look different from the previous one,” said Msgr. Battocchio. He explained that while the First Session focused on the “wide-ranging themes” to be discussed by the Assembly, the Second would focus on the question: “How to be a synodal Church in mission.”

The forthcoming working document will therefore provide an overview of the synod’s work to date, while at the same time offering theological reflections and concrete proposals “to aid the discernment entrusted to the members of the assembly.”

An international perspective

The theological experts who participated in the analysis work included eight theologians from Europe (including five Italians); three from Africa; two from North America and three from South America; two from Oceania (both Australian) and two from Asia.

In addition to the two Special Secretaries, the General Secretariat of the Synod was represented by the Secretary General, Cardinal Mario Grech; the general rapporteur, Cardinal Hollerich; and Undersecretaries Bishop Luis Marín de San Martin and Sister Nathalie Becquart.

The next steps

Now that the theologians’ work has been completed, the General Secretariat of the Synod will move to the next phase of the drafting process for the Instrumentum labor.

After a “broad verification” of its contents, the Ordinary Council of the General Secretariat – largely composed of diocesan bishops elected by the fathers and mothers of the synod – will approve the draft and submit it to Pope Francis, who will approve the proposal. final text.