The General Secretariat of the Synod has published the final report from its commission on canon law. The document outlines proposed amendments to the Code of Canon Law of the Latin Church, structured around short-, medium-, and long-term legislative horizons.
The commission was established in coordination with the Dicastery for Legislative Texts. Its work draws upon the outcomes of the synodal process conducted between 2021 and 2024, as well as the deliberations of the General Assemblies of the Synod of Bishops held in October 2023 and October 2024.
Three Horizons for Reform
The report categorizes its recommendations into three distinct timeframes. Short-term proposals focus on amending existing legislation to support current ecclesial life. Medium-term plans involve addressing specific areas through new instructions or revisions developed with competent dicasteries. Long-term plans envision a comprehensive revision of both the Latin and Eastern Codes of Canon Law.
The published report addresses only the Latin Code. A separate commission is responsible for matters concerning the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches.
Lay Participation and Governance
Short-term legislative proposals prioritize amendments to canons governing the capacity of lay people to exercise offices, responsibilities, and ministries. The commission examined paragraphs 60, 71, 76, and 77 of the Final Document from the October 2024 General Assembly. These sections address the equal dignity of the faithful and the implications for lay involvement in ecclesial governance.
The commission considered revisions to Canons 145, 204, 208, 212, 228, 230, 275, 476, 483, 749, 1112, 1421, and 1425. While noting that current legal systems possess adequate instruments for recognizing the role of the laity, the commission observed that these provisions are often not implemented in practice.
Councils and Episcopal Conferences
The report proposes significant changes to particular councils and Episcopal Conferences. Innovations include allowing all members of the People of God to participate in proportion equal to ex officio members. The proposal removes the limitation word “only” from the consultative vote granted to council participants.
A new provision would set the frequency of these councils to every ten years. Additionally, a presumption of validity is introduced for acts of a council if the Holy See does not respond within one year.
The proposals also grant greater authority to Episcopal Conferences by eliminating Holy See involvement in delegating a lay person to assist at marriages. The report suggests appointing emeritus bishops to committees of Episcopal Conferences to enhance their contribution. New examples are provided to clarify the nature and role of auxiliary bishops.