Vatican launches Accompaniment Process for Synod implementation, Eyes 2028 Ecclesial Assembly

The Vatican has launched a structured accompaniment and evaluation process for the implementation phase of the Synod on Synodality, marking a critical step in embedding synodal principles into the Church's daily life. 

Cardinal Mario Grech, General Secretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, issued a letter on March 15 to bishops, patriarchs, and leaders of episcopal conferences worldwide, detailing the next steps in the Church’s ongoing journey toward synodality.

On March 11, Pope Francis approved the initiation of this process, which seeks to ensure that Synodality becomes an integral part of the Church’s mission. Rather than convening a new Synod, the focus will now shift to consolidating the progress made thus far, fostering a spirit of communion, participation, and mission across local Churches.

“This phase is not simply about applying directives from above,” Cardinal Grech stated. “It is a process of receiving the orientations of the Synod’s Final Document in a way that respects local cultures and community needs while ensuring harmony within the universal Church.” The process will culminate in a Vatican-held ecclesial assembly in October 2028.

The implementation phase calls for active participation from dioceses, eparchies, episcopal conferences, and hierarchical structures of the Eastern Catholic Churches. The initiative also seeks to involve institutes of consecrated life, societies of apostolic life, lay associations, ecclesial movements, and new communities. The General Secretariat of the Synod will accompany and support Churches throughout this journey.

To ensure consistency and progress, the Vatican has outlined a roadmap with key milestones. A Support Document for the implementation phase will be released in May 2025, offering guidelines for local Churches. 

From June 2025 to December 2026, dioceses and eparchies will engage in synodal implementation efforts, followed by evaluation assemblies at diocesan, national, and continental levels throughout 2027 and 2028. 

The process will conclude with the publication of the Instrumentum Laboris in June 2028, setting the stage for the final ecclesial assembly in October 2028.

As part of this process, the Vatican has announced the Jubilee of Synodal Teams and Participatory Bodies, set on October 24-26, 2025. This event will highlight the commitment to a synodal Church, rooted in the hope that Pope Francis has repeatedly emphasized throughout his pontificate.

Cardinal Grech underscored the importance of diocesan and eparchial bishops in leading this phase. “Without their commitment, this journey would not be possible,” he noted, expressing gratitude to those already working to advance the synodal mission. He also assured further communications by May, detailing the methodology and operational procedures for this next phase.

The Vatican’s renewed push for synodality signals a continued commitment to fostering dialogue, discernment, and collaboration within the Church. As the global Catholic community embarks on this next stage, the focus remains on deepening the exchange of gifts among local Churches and shaping a more participatory and mission-driven ecclesial life.