Canon 46

1. In exercising his office (munus) the Roman Pontiff is assisted by the bishops who aid him in various ways and among these

is the synod of bishops; moreover the cardinals, the Roman curia,

pontifical legates and other persons and various institutes assist him according to the needs of the times; all these persons

and institutes carry out the task committed to them in his name

and by his authority for the good of all the Churches, according

to the norm of law established by the Roman Pontiff himself. 2.

The participation of patriarchs and other hierarchs who preside

over Churches sui iuris in the synod of bishops is regulated by

special norms established by the Roman Pontiff.