CHAPTER II. The Synod of Bishops

Can.342 The synod of bishops is a group of bishops who have been chosen from different regions of the world and

meet together at fixed times to foster closer unity between the Roman Pontiff and bishops, to assist the Roman

Pontiff with their counsel in the preservation and growth of faith and morals and in the observance and

strengthening of ecclesiastical discipline, and to consider questions pertaining to the activity of the Church in the

world.

Can.343 It is for the synod of bishops to discuss the questions for consideration and express its wishes but not to

resolve them or issue decrees about them unless in certain cases the Roman Pontiff has endowed it with deliberative

power, in which case he ratifies the decisions of the synod.

Can.344 The synod of bishops is directly subject to the authority of the Roman Pontiff who:

1/ convokes a synod as often as it seems opportune to him and designates the place where its sessions are to

be held;

2/ radios the election of members who must be elected according to the norm of special law and designates

and appoints other members;

3/ determines at an appropriate time before the celebration of a synod the contents of the questions to be

treated, according to the norm of special law;

4/ defines the agenda;

5/ presides at the synod personally or through others;

6/ concludes, transfers, suspends, and dissolves the synod.

Can.345 The synod of bishops can be assembled in a general session, that is, one which treats matters that directly

pertain to the good of the universal Church; such a session is either ordinary or extraordinary. It can also be

assembled in a special session, namely, one which considers affairs that directly pertain to a determinate region or

regions.

Can.346 §1. A synod of bishops assembled in an ordinary general session consists of members of whom the greater

part are bishops elected for each session by the conferences of bishops according to the method determined by the

special law of the synod; others are designated by virtue of the same law; others are appointed directly by the Roman

Pontiff; to these are added some members of clerical religious institutes elected according to the norm of the same

special law.

§2. A synod of bishops gathered in an extraordinary general session to treat affairs which require a speedy

solution consists of members of whom the greater part are bishops designated by the special law of the synod by

reason of the office which they hold; others are appointed directly by the Roman Pontiff; to these are added some

members of clerical religious institutes elected according to the norm of the same law.

§3. A synod of bishops gathered in a special session consists of members especially selected from those regions

for which it was called, according to the norm of the special law which governs the synod.

Can.347 §1. When the Roman Pontiff concludes a session of the synod of bishops, the function entrusted in it to

the bishops and other members ceases.

§2. If the Apostolic See becomes vacant after a synod is convoked or during its celebration, the session of the

synod and the function entrusted to its members are suspended by the law itself until the new Pontiff has decided

to dissolve or continue the session.

Can.348 §1. The synod of bishops has a permanent general secretariat presided offer by a general secretary who is

appointed by the Roman Pontiff and assisted by the council of the secretariat. This council consists of bishops, some

of whom are elected by the synod of bishops itself according to the norm of special law while others are appointed

by the Roman Pontiff. The function of all these ceases when a new general session begins.

§2. Furthermore, for each session of the synod of bishops one or more special secretaries are constituted who

are appointed by the Roman Pontiff and remain in the office entrusted to them only until the session of the synod

has been completed.