Vatican Synod proposes increased lay involvement in bishop selection

The Vatican Synod has published two new reports proposing structural changes to increase lay involvement within the Catholic Church. The documents, released by the General Secretariat of the Synod, suggest moving away from strictly hierarchical approaches toward a model of “differentiated co-responsibility.”

Report No. 6 focuses on the relationships between bishops, consecrated religious, and ecclesial associations, calling for greater participation of the laity in decision-making processes. Report No. 7 addresses the ministry of bishops, specifically proposing that the “People of God” be involved in the selection of episcopal candidates and the drafting of reports for official ad limina visits to Rome.

Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, stated that “there is no mission without transformed relationships,” emphasizing the need for a “relational conversion” to renew how the universal Church operates.