The Role of the Synod of Bishops in the Contemporary Church

Abstract

Since the Second Vatican Council, the Synod of Bishops has remained an institution originating from the Council and it still shapes the face of the post-conciliar Church. This is why one of the most crucial contributions of the Council to the organisational structure and the way the Church is managed is undoubtedly the Synod of Bishops, the fact which is confirmed by the sheer number of its assemblies (twenty-four). The Synod has played a crucial role in the pontificates of the post-conciliar popes, particularly during the years of the long pontificate of John Paul II (1978-2005). Also, the present pontificate indicates that the Pope Benedict XVI attaches great importance to this institution, convoking the Synod of Bishops on a regular basis.

The objective of the publication is therefore to demonstrate the origin of the institution of the Synod, present its legal status, discuss its theological and legislative nature as well as demonstrate the significance and the role of this institution for the life and evolution of the post-conciliar Church. The publication presents the formal aspect of the previous assemblies of the Synod (including their outcomes, i.e. documents concerning the summoned institution), their role in the statements of individual popes and such aspects of the Synod as: representativeness, affective collegiality as well as its role in the building the communion of the Church, role and importance of the consultative voice of the Synod of Bishops.