02/07/2026 15:00 - 18:20

HALL: Parenzo - A8

Contact: Van Rompaey J.

Chair: Cinocca F., Van Rompaey J.

During the pontificate of Pope Francis (°1936-2025; 2013-2025), synodality quickly emerged as a central theme and it prominently figures in his legacy. Now that his pontificate has ended, the real challenge lies in the further implementation of the 2021-2024 synod of bishops. This implementation deserves further attention because of the extent of the process and the number of important topics associated with it. As this process will take until at least 2028, it will be one of the most extensive reform processes since the Second Vatican Council.
Such a process of reform, of 'synodalization' of the Church, however, raises many questions. The Final Document, e.g., calls for a "culture of transparency, accountability and evaluation". However, what this exactly entails is unclear. Moreover, these concepts can be approached in different ways depending on the theological sub-discipline from which questions are raised. In this panel, we do not focus on one specific sub-discipline, however, we do place at the center the overarching question: how can we determine, measure, or assess the synodalization of the Church? By which criteria can we see whether the Church, locally, continentally, or universally, has become or is becoming more synodal, more transparent, accountable, and evaluative? Or, to approach the question of synodalization from another angle: which practices or habits need to be reformed or reconfigured to showcase the further synodalization of the Church?
This panel therefore invites submissions that (i) help to address the question of how to evaluate and understand the synodalization of the Church, (ii) attempt to either learn from concrete synodal practices in the Church or to evaluate the Church from a more systematic understanding synodality, and/or (iii) offer interdisciplinary or ecumenical approaches that contribute to an evaluation or further implementation of synodality in the Catholic Church.