"Vatican's Synod on Synodality: Empowering Laity for a Stronger Church"

The Vatican has released the synthesis report of the Synod on Synodality, proposing a "Synodal Church" that implements synodality throughout Church governance, theology, mission, and discernment of doctrine and pastoral issues. The report includes over 80 approved proposals, such as establishing a baptismal ministry of listening and accompaniment, decentralizing the Church, and strengthening the Council of Cardinals. It also encourages experimentation with conversation and forms of discernment, and calls for the exercise of synodality at regional, national, and continental levels. The report does not provide definitive conclusions on same-sex blessings, women's ordination, and other controversial topics. The document aims to serve ongoing discernment and lays the foundation for the second Synod on Synodality in 2024.