L’istituzione sinodale nelle Chiese di Oriente: aspetti storici e canonici, ed eventuali suggerimenti per la Chiesa universale

Abstract

The development of the synodal dimension in the Catholic Church could facilitate unity with the Orthodox Churches if an adequate balance is found with the role of primacy. Eastern tradition insists on the role of bishops as the sole representatives of the interest of their respective Churches in the Synod. The Orthodox Churches encountered challenges in convening the 2016 Pan-Orthodox Synod, which led them to reflection on the necessity of jurisdiction in the Protos. In the Eastern Catholic Churches there are synodal aspects that could be useful in the Latin Church too. Lastly, for the Synod of the Catholic Church it is suggested to involve the bishops in the signing of the post-synodal pontifical document.