It is important to make clear the relationship between the Instrumentum Laboris and the Final Document. The former is the comprehensive and synthetic frame of reference that emerged from two years of listening; the latter is the fruit of the discernment that followed and draws together thematically the key points that the Synod Fathers discussed with particular intensity and interest. So we recognize the diversity and the complementarity of these two texts. The present document is offered to the Holy Father (cf. Francis, Episcopalis Communio, 18; Instruction, art. 35 §5) and to the whole Church as a fruit of this Synod. Since the synodal process is not yet completed, and the implementation phase is yet to come (cf. Episcopalis Communio, 19-21), this Final Document will serve as a roadmap for the next steps the Church is called to take. * In this document, the term “Synod” may refer to the overall synodal process or to the General Assembly which took place from 3 to 28 October 2018.
TheoFonsAt the sources of the faith