Final Report of the Synodal Commission for Canon Law

The final report of the Synodal Commission for Canon Law, dated September 22, 2026 (original HERE) proposes a number of changes to the CIC, which aim to translate the synodal way of life and decision-making of the Church into specific legal structures.

One prominent line is the broader participation of the faithful in the governance and service of the Church. The proposals in can. 208, 212, and 228 emphasize the shared responsibility of all baptized people for the mission of the Church, the obligation of pastors to listen to the faithful, and the possibility of their broader involvement in church tasks and functions. Can. 476 expands the possibilities for appointing episcopal delegates (and episcopal councils) from among suitable lay people. In can. 1421 and 1425, it is proposed to open up the service of judges in church courts to a wider circle of lay people, including the possibility that, under certain conditions, someone other than clerics could be a judge. Can. 230 further expands the scope for stable services and for performing certain tasks in liturgy and pastoral care in situations where ordained ministers are lacking.

The second major area is decentralization and strengthening of particular structures. Can. 440 will now establish the regular holding of a provincial council every ten years. Can. 443 and 444 expand participation in particular councils and limit the exclusivity of previous categories of participants. In can. 446, it is proposed to temporarily limit the Roman recognitio of decrees of particular councils. In can. 1112, it is proposed to eliminate the need for prior permission from the Apostolic See to delegate lay people to assist in the celebration of marriage; the diocesan bishop and the bishops' conference would remain decisive.

The third area is a deepening of the concept of shared synodal discernment in participatory bodies. This does not change the principle of hierarchical responsibility: the ultimate decision-making authority remains with the relevant authority, especially the diocesan bishop. However, the way decisions are made is changing.

In several places, it is proposed to remove the word “only” (tantum) from the phrase “merely advisory” (tantum consultivum), and it is emphasized that consultation should be a real part of the decision‑making process. Canon 127 will now require the authority to provide those being consulted with the necessary information, sufficient time, and genuine freedom of expression.

The position of the presbyteral council (can. 495 and 500) is significantly strengthened. It will continue to be an advisory body for the bishop, but its role expands: together with the bishop, it will regularly evaluate the pastoral and administrative governance of the diocese in relation to the implementation of the diocesan pastoral plan. At the same time, transparency is being enhanced. Before sending a report ad limina, its summary should be presented to the faithful, especially the presbyteral and pastoral council (can. 399), and the annual financial report of the diocese should also be submitted to these councils (can. 493).

In canons 461 and 466, it is proposed to use the diocesan synod more regularly (at least once every 10 years), which should be a place for joint discernment, verification of the implementation of the diocesan pastoral plan, and its further direction. Synodal decrees should be understood as the result of a process of discernment by the participants in the synod. In canon 512, the diocesan pastoral council is also being opened to a wider range of people: among its members should be primarily believers distinguished by the authenticity of their witness of faith; under certain circumstances, other believers may be invited, and members of other churches and ecclesial communities that are not in full communion with the Catholic Church may also be included, but without voting rights. The synodal principle is also reflected in the composition of participatory bodies. In canon 463, the representation of believers in diocesan synods is strengthened, and their selection is through the diocesan pastoral council. It is also recommended to pay more attention to women, young people, and people living in poverty or on the margins of society.

A significant change concerns the parish level. Návrh kán. 536 proposes the mandatory establishment of pastoral councils in each parish. Its role expands from general assistance to the priest to participation in formulating pastoral guidelines and decisions that the priest must implement within their authority. Kán. 537 strengthens the transparency of the economic council of the parish: the parish's financial management must be regularly reported to the community, according to the norms of particular law, if possible with independent verification.

Overall, the draft from the Canonical Commission in 2026 represents a shift from a model of authority that primarily decides after consultation, to a model of authority that makes decisions through a structured process of listening, discernment, decision-making, evaluation, and accountability. This is not about introducing a democratic model of church governance or transferring decision-making power from bishops and priests to councils. Rather, it is about legally enshrining the actual participation of the baptized__, greater transparency and accountability, and creating regular mechanisms in which the experience and responsibility of the entire people of God can be reflected in the leadership of the local church. From this perspective, the proposal is significant primarily because it moves away from understanding synodality as merely a method or spirituality, and instead makes it an issue of institutional architecture within canon law.