Pope Francis ‘Adopts’ Final Synodal Document

The synod on synodality released its final document Saturday at the end of its second month-long session in Rome, calling for increased lay participation in Church decision-making processes.

The 28,000-word text was published Oct. 26 after Pope Francis announced that he had decided not to follow the custom of releasing a post-synodal apostolic exhortation.

Instead, the pope said he was confirming the document personally, adopting it into his own ordinary papal magisterium.

In a final address to synod delegates, the pope said that “what we have approved is sufficient.”