Sinodi e sinodalità della Chiesa nella storia

Abstract

Pope Francis described synodality as an essential element in the life of the Church. In his history, synodal assemblies have existed since the beginning. They took place over the centuries in ecumenical, regional and diocesan synods, to which the Roman Synod of Bishops was added after the Second Vatican Council. Other structures of a collegial nature in the governance of the Church are the concistory and the roman curia and, at the regional level, the bishops’ conferences, whose growing importance has somewhat diminished the traditional celebration of provincial councils and diocesan synods. Synodality must be present at all levels and be expressed in respectful listening so that, after adequate discernment, space can be given to the action of the Spirit. For this to succeed, synodality must be taken into account in both its synchronic and diachronic dimensions, otherwise synodal processes can also fail, as historical examples show.