Vatican Synod Study Groups Release Interim Reports on Key Church Reforms

Interim Reports Mark Milestone in Synod on Synodality

The Vatican's Synod on Synodality has reached a significant juncture with the release of interim reports from its special study groups. These groups, initially commissioned by Pope Francis and whose work was continued and expanded under Pope Leo XIV, presented their findings on November 17, 2025. The reports delve into a wide array of theological and pastoral issues, aiming to deepen the fruits of the 2023-2024 Synod and pave the way for concrete reforms within the Catholic Church.

The original mandate for these groups, established by Pope Francis in February 2024, was to provide in-depth reflection on complex and 'emerging' questions that arose during the Synod of Bishops. Following the death of Pope Francis and the election of Pope Leo XIV, the new pontiff extended the deadline for final reports to December 31, 2025, from the initial June 2025 target.

Focus on the Role of Women in the Church

A central theme across several reports is the evolving role of women within the Church. Discussions include women's leadership, their participation in priestly formation, and the possibility of women deacons. One study group, under the direction of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, is specifically examining 'the participation of women in the life and leadership of the Church.' This group's final report is expected to 'reserve a special word' for the issue of women's access to the diaconate. Other areas of focus include:

• Significant female figures in Church history
• Personal accounts from women engaged in Church leadership and serving within the Roman Curia
• Critical tensions regarding clericalism and male chauvinism

Re-evaluating Priestly Formation

Another key area of study concerns priestly formation, with groups exploring how to ensure future priests are educated in synodality, emphasizing listening, discernment, and shared responsibility with laypeople. While a 'complete overhaul' of existing guidelines does not currently seem appropriate, the reports highlight several needs, including:

• Deepening the identity of ordained ministry in relational terms
• Joint formation moments involving laypeople, consecrated persons, ordained ministers, and seminarians
• Greater participation of women and families in formation
• A focus on missionary outreach

Addressing 'Emerging' Issues and Other Topics

The study groups have also tackled what they prefer to term 'emerging' issues, rather than 'controversial' ones. These include:

• Homosexuality
• Conflicts and the non-violent practice of the Gospel
• Violence against women in situations of armed conflict

The interim reports vary in depth, with some offering concrete proposals and others outlining methodologies. Other topics covered by the fourteen study groups include mission in the digital sphere, relations between Eastern and Latin-rite Churches, the selection of bishops, the pastoral care of polygamous converts in Africa, liturgy from a synodal perspective, poverty, consecrated life, papal nuncios, and ecumenism. Cardinal Mario Grech, Secretary General of the Synod, noted that while some groups are nearing completion, others will continue their work in the months ahead, reflecting the 'richness and complexity' of the topics.