Based on the documents and statements of the Church’s Magisterium related to the Sixteenth Ordinary General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, this study undertakes a reflection on the essence of the “synodal Church”. Therefore, first the relationship between the postulated model of the synodal Church and the Ecclesia framed in the image of communion and the people of God is shown. Next, the relationship between the contemporary crisis of the Church diagnosed by Pope Francis and the Synod Fathers (inadequacy of structures – the “pyramid of power”, clericalism, loss of credibility, passivity of the laity) and the proposals for its renewal and rebirth through the implementation of reforms involving all levels of ecclesial life were signalled. The reform proposed by the Synod and systematically implemented throughout the Church is intended to bring – through a return to communio in parishes, dioceses and the Petrine ministry – a revival of faith and a revitalisation of the salvific mission of Christ’s family
