A synod commission has proposed reforming canon law to give laywomen and laymen greater participation in Catholic Church governance. The General Secretariat of the Synod published the commission’s final report on Wednesday.
The document supports changes affecting qualified laypeople’s ability to exercise offices, roles and ministries, including governance functions. Its proposals are not binding and must now be examined by Pope Leo XIV.
Reforming Canon Law For Wider Participation
The report comes from work associated with the Synod on Synodality, according to EWTN News’s coverage. Pope Francis created 10 study groups in 2024, which dissolve once their work is completed and published.
Archbishop Filippo Iannone coordinated the commission studying canonical reforms, which included experts in canon law. Iannone is prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops and president of the Pontifical Commission for Latin America.
The commission examined Canons 204, 208 and 212, concerning baptized people’s dignity and participation in Church life. It also studied Canons 228 and 230 on lay offices and ministries, alongside provisions on ecclesiastical offices and clergy collaboration.
The commission does not consider a profound reform of the canonical legal system necessary. It says current provisions already allow greater recognition of laypeople’s roles alongside pastors.
However, the report says those provisions are often overlooked and sometimes need stronger affirmation to become practical and effective. Reforming canon law would adapt particular provisions to conclusions emerging from the synodal process.
The document says that process does not diminish the decision-making authority of the bishop, bishops collectively or the pope. It instead seeks to integrate contributions from the People of God into communal participation.
Her Forward also covers women’s experiences of legal processes in a different institutional setting. The Church proposals concern its own offices, councils and governance arrangements.
Proposals Would Change Council Participation
A proposed revision to Canon 443 would address representation in particular councils. It seeks participation by all members of the People of God in a proportion equal to that of ex officio members.
The report would expand participation by lay faithful and men and women religious. It also proposes removing the Latin word “tantum,” meaning “only,” from provisions limiting participation to a consultative vote.
That restriction appears in canons concerning particular councils, diocesan synods and other Church councils. The report identifies Canons 443 and 444, Canon 466, and Canons 500, 514 and 536.
If approved, the changes would move those bodies beyond a solely consultative structure toward stronger participation in decisions. They remain proposals requiring examination, rather than changes already affecting the voting rights of participants.
Related reporting on support for women’s participation at work examines another kind of institutional support. Separate coverage explains self-defence laws affecting women, outside the Church’s legal system.
Commission Seeks Accountability In Diocesan Governance
The report’s decentralization proposals include revising Canon 440, Paragraph 1, to establish a “ten-year frequency” for particular councils. The stated aim is to encourage regular meetings and give those councils a more significant role.
Another proposal concerns Canon 1112 and laywomen and laymen assisting at marriages under circumstances permitted by law. It would remove Holy See intervention when a bishops’ conference authorizes that participation.
The commission also proposes adjustments defining auxiliary bishops’ nature and mission within diocesan governance. A separate change would allow retired bishops to serve on bishops’ conference commissions.
Reforming canon law would also introduce accountability and evaluation through a proposed new paragraph in Canon 391. If approved, that change would strengthen expectations that bishops explain and justify pastoral and administrative decisions.
The report describes participatory bodies as primary places where the faithful contribute according to their competencies and ministries. Pope Leo XIV must now examine the nonbinding proposals before any of these changes can advance.
Frequently asked questions
Have the proposed canon law changes already been approved?
No. The report is not binding and its proposals must now be examined by Pope Leo XIV.
Who would gain wider participation under the proposals?
The proposals address participation by laywomen, laymen and men and women religious in Church councils and governance.
What voting restriction does the commission propose removing?
It proposes removing the word “tantum,” meaning “only,” from provisions limiting certain participants to a consultative vote.
What accountability change does the commission recommend?
A proposed new paragraph in Canon 391 would introduce accountability and evaluation into episcopal governance.
