Archbishop Peña Parra urged the Church to courageously adapt its structures to embody the synodal vision championed by Pope Francis
Newsroom (09/10/2025, Gaudium Press ) In a compelling address at the biennial “Lynwood Lecture” on October 8, Archbishop Edgar Peña Parra, Substitute for General Affairs at the Vatican’s Secretariat of State, called for a synodal Church rooted in subsidiarity to address the challenges of the third millennium. Speaking at an event hosted by the Canon Law Society of Great Britain and Ireland, Peña Parra explored the dynamic interplay between synodality and subsidiarity, emphasizing their critical role in balancing the Church’s unity with its diverse, participatory mission.
Synodality: A Shared Journey of the People of God
Peña Parra opened his lecture, titled “Synodality and the Principle of Subsidiarity,” by tracing the evolution of synodality within the Church. He noted that St. Paul VI and St. John Paul II linked the concept to the “collegial union among bishops,” while Pope Francis has broadened its scope through documents like Evangelii Gaudium and Episcopalis Communio, applying it to the entire People of God. Synodality, derived from the Greek for “walking together,” entails a communal discernment process that seeks God’s will not just individually but collectively, embracing the Church’s universal mission.
The archbishop underscored the idea of “organic communion,” a term coined by St. John Paul II in Christifideles Laici. He described it as a living body marked by diverse vocations, ministries, charisms, and responsibilities. Synodality, he argued, manifests this communion through collaborative relationships among “all, some, and each” within the Church.
Subsidiarity: Balancing Authority and Autonomy
Turning to subsidiarity, Peña Parra highlighted its foundational role in Catholic social teaching, which prioritizes resolving issues at the most local, least centralized level possible. This principle, he explained, respects individual contributions within a hierarchical order while ensuring support from higher authorities when needed. However, its application has sparked debate, with some fearing it risks fragmenting the Church’s unity.
Rejecting comparisons between the Church and a sovereign nation, Peña Parra clarified that local Church authorities do not compete with the universal Church but contribute to its shared mission. He pointed to existing synodal structures—such as dioceses, episcopal conferences, and particular councils—as evidence of the Church’s collegial spirit, which harmonizes local autonomy with universal unity.
The Role of Episcopal Conferences and the Roman Curia
The archbishop praised episcopal conferences for their proximity to the faithful and their expertise in forging bilateral agreements without severing ties to the Holy See. This “healthy decentralization,” inspired by subsidiarity, enables the Church to address local needs while maintaining its global mission. Similarly, he described the Roman Curia not as a mere mediator but as an expression of the Church’s inherent harmony, operating through an “intradicasterial” approach where each entity reflects the whole People of God.
Navigating Challenges: Avoiding Extremes
Peña Parra acknowledged the challenges in implementing synodality and subsidiarity, warning against two extremes: a rigid, top-down hierarchy that stifles lay participation, and a chaotic system that undermines the Church’s unity and mission. The solution, he proposed, lies in fostering a “synodal style” marked by shared information, active listening, and respect for every contribution.
This approach demands a bold reassessment of ecclesial structures to ensure they serve as “means, not ends” of synodality. By embracing this shared journey, the Church can navigate the complexities of the modern world while remaining true to its divine mission.
A Call to Action
Concluding his address, Peña Parra urged the Church to courageously adapt its structures to embody the synodal vision championed by Pope Francis. “The synodal style we so desire,” he said, “is an irrevocable duty that requires us to review our structures bravely.” His words resonate as a clarion call for a Church that walks together—united, diverse, and responsive to the challenges of the third millennium.
- Raju Hasmukh with files from Vatican News
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