Instrumentum Laboris is the new document released by the Vatican as a discussion guide for the bishops' synod that will take place this October.
It brings up some of the most discussed questions and topics that dioceses around the world face, such as LGBTQ outreach, divorced people or women priests.
"We have heard the same questions in so many continental assemblies," said Father Giacomo Cost. "There are those who answer one way, and there are those who answer another. We have to do the synod together. That's why we meet. Because there are no ready-made answers."
The goal is not necessarily to find solutions to these issues but to deepen the concept of synodality; that is, how decisions in the Church are to be made.
"The theme of this synod is a synodal Church," said Cardinal Mario Grech. "Once synodality is strengthened and practiced, we will be able to also answer the questions for people today. It is not necessarily that in October '23 or '24, we have to find all the answers."
The Synod of Bishops will take place in Rome from October 4-29, and there will be a second meeting one year later in 2024.