VATICAN SYNOD: Synod Regulations Emphasize Confidentiality and Discretion

Sr. Jecinter Antoinette Okoth, FSSA

As the XVI Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops gets underway, officials through the general secretary of the Synod have issued guidelines stressing the need to respect the serenity of the discernment process of the Synod and to maintain confidentiality.

Among the rules of procedure of the assembly that were distributed during the opening session of the synod on Wednesday, October 4, communication concerning synod proceedings is restricted as per regulations.

“In order to guarantee the freedom of expression of each and all regarding their thoughts and to ensure the serenity of the discernment in common, which is the main task entrusted to the Assembly, each of the Participants is bound to confidentiality and discretion regarding both their own interventions and the interventions of other Participants. This duty remains in force once the Synodal Assembly has ended,” reads part of the synod regulations.

The regulations read further as it provides controls to delegates, “All Participants are forbidden to record, film, or disclose their interventions in the General Congregations and in the Working Groups.”

The general secretariat of the synod opened doors for the initial general congregations of the first four Modules, including the presentation of the theme to be streamed. After which, an official audiovisual recording of the General Congregations will be kept in the archives of the General Secretariat of the Synod for the Acta Synodi Episcoporum.

The Commission for Information is expected to work in close collaboration with the Dicastery for Communication and the General Secretariat of the Synod. At the same time, the commission has been mandated to report on the progress of the Synodal Assembly in accordance with the regulations as well as prepare communiqués on specific topics whenever necessary.

According to synod officials, dissemination of news is a key responsibility of the communications team which has been assigned by the General Secretariat and the Dicastery for Communication.

When necessary, the team may be authorized to enter Paul VI Hall where the discussions take place, “to collaborate in the work of communication, following the indications of the Commission for Information and always preserving the confidentiality of the work.”

The regulations highlight that “Journalists accredited to the press room will be admitted to Paul VI Hall only at the specific times and spaces they will be notified.”

Besides communication, other regulations concerning various commissions, the participants, and their roles have been stipulated as well as how the celebration of assembly is to be conducted and the working methods of the assembly.

The regulations guiding the assembly have been drawn up in accordance with Article 26 of the Apostolic Constitution Episcopalis communio of Pope Francis. Even though the synod assembly is expected to be in two phases 2023 and 2024, these regulations govern the conduct of the first session (4-29 October 2023).