Vatican publishes final canonical report on synodal reforms

The General Secretariat of the Synod published the final report of the Canonical Commission on Wednesday, September 30, 2026. This document outlines proposed short-term modifications to the Latin Code of Canon Law based on the outcomes of the synodal process conducted between 2021 and 2024. The report focuses on translating theological and ecclesiological insights into concrete legal norms to support the current life of the Church.

The Canonical Commission, established in coordination with the Dicastery for Legislative Texts, identified three temporal horizons for legal reform. The immediate focus is on amending existing regulations to enhance the participatory and missionary orientation of the Church. Medium-term efforts will involve cross-departmental collaboration to issue new instructions or revise existing ones. In the long term, a comprehensive revision of both the Latin and Eastern Codes of Canon Law is envisaged to fully integrate the emerging synodal requirements. A separate commission is currently handling the specific provisions for the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.

The published report addresses the equal dignity of the faithful within the People of God, referencing specific sections of the final document approved by the Synod of Bishops in October 2024. It proposes revisions to thirteen specific canons, including 145, 204, 208, 212, 228, 230, 275, 476, 483, 749, 1112, 1421, and 1425. These changes aim to update Church law to align with the recent synodal magisterium, particularly regarding the capacity of lay men and women to exercise functions, offices, and ministries for which they are competent, including in ecclesiastical governance. The Commission noted that while existing legal instruments are often adequate for co-responsibility, they are frequently ignored or require strengthening to be more accessible and effective.

Reforms concerning particular councils and episcopal conferences are also detailed in the report. The proposals include allowing all members of the People of God to participate in particular councils at a percentage equal to that of ex officio members. Additionally, the report suggests removing the consultative nature of their votes and granting episcopal conferences greater authority. This includes eliminating the requirement for Holy See intervention in delegations to laypeople for marriage celebrations and introducing a presumption of validity for council acts if the Holy See does not respond within one year. Further clarifications address the role of auxiliary bishops and the inclusion of emeritus bishops in episcopal conference commissions.