On October 26, 2024, as the Synod on Synodality came to a close, Pope Francis surprised many by announcing that he would not be publishing a Post-Synodal Apostolic Exhortation. Instead, the Final Document of the Synod will serve as the primary legacy of this process, as, according to the Pope, “the Document already contains very concrete guidelines that can serve as a guide for the mission of the Churches.” This approach emphasizes the pastoral and practical nature of the text, which Francis has made available to “everyone” so that the People of God themselves can embrace and implement the guidance toward a more synodal Church.

The decision not to release an additional papal exhortation highlights the Pope’s desire to acknowledge and respect the collective journey that characterized this Synod. By handing over the document directly to the People of God, Francis expresses his trust in the wisdom and responsibility of local Church communities to assume and integrate the proposed guidelines. This aligns with his vision of a Church that does not solely depend on hierarchical directives but is participatory and synodal, where everyone—from laity to clergy—has an active, meaningful role in its evangelizing mission.

The Final Document centers around the themes of communion, participation, and mission, emphasizing synodality as a path of inclusion and dialogue within the Church. Among its proposals is a renewed commitment to society’s most vulnerable sectors and a greater openness to diverse cultures, promoting accessible, comprehensible pastoral language. The preferential option for the poor remains a fundamental axis, reaffirming that this priority transcends a social commitment and stands as a theological and pastoral duty. The document also calls on local churches to address specific challenges within their contexts while keeping the Church’s universal mission in mind.

Pope Francis highlighted that the synodal journey is “an invitation to a Church that knows how to listen, dialogue, and walk together.” This experience of communion aims to transform the Church’s mission towards a more inclusive pastoral approach, sensitive to the world’s issues, with a spirit of openness, co-responsibility, and justice.

The Final Document is currently available only in the original Italian. Other language versions will be available in the coming days.