The General Secretariat of the Synod has published the Final Reports of Study Groups 6 and 7, established within the synodal process to explore in greater depth some of the issues that emerged during the Synod. The documents present a series of concrete proposals aimed at strengthening, from a synodal and missionary perspective, relationships between bishops, consecrated life and ecclesial associations, as well as rethinking the way ad limina visits are conducted.

Of particular significance for consecrated life is the Final Report of Study Group 6, dedicated to reviewing relationships between bishops, consecrated life and ecclesial associations. The document calls for moving beyond purely functional or hierarchical relationships in order to foster a genuine “relational conversion,” capable of transforming not only personal attitudes, but also language, methods, structures and spaces for encounter.

Among the proposals is the appointment, in every diocese, of a delegate or vicar for consecrated life, together with annual meetings between bishops, consecrated persons and conferences of major superiors. The Report also highlights the need for a synodal approach to some of the most delicate transitions religious institutes are facing today, such as declining vocations, the closure of communities and the allocation of assets. In these processes, dialogue, spiritual accompaniment and forms of visitation attentive to specific situations are identified as key instruments.

Another proposal concerns the introduction of mandatory agreements between dioceses and religious institutes, clearly defining areas such as mission, formation, gender equality, remuneration and the management of assets. These agreements should be accompanied by mechanisms for review and conciliation, as well as clear deadlines, in order to foster transparent relationships and greater mutual accountability.

The Report also devotes particular attention to collaboration between Episcopal Conferences and Conferences of Major Superiors. It proposes joint formation opportunities on synodality, ecclesiology and leadership, regular meetings between their respective bodies, and greater participation of consecrated persons in ecclesial structures of participation and decision-making. Among the proposals is also the joint preparation of ad limina visits, so that dialogue with the Holy See may more fully reflect the ecclesial reality of each territory.

The Reports, made public at the request of Pope Leo XIV, seek to help put into practice the principles of transparency, accountability and co-responsibility that have emerged from the synodal journey. It is important to note, however, that the recommendations presented do not constitute decisions that have already been adopted. Rather, they are proposals submitted to the Holy Father, which will now be entrusted to the competent Dicasteries and the General Secretariat of the Synod to be developed into possible operational proposals.

Download the full final report
Download the Executive Summary