Documents that govern a Synod # 8

There are several documents which govern the workings of a Synod.  The Apostolic Letter of Pope St. Paul VI, Apostolica sollecitudo (1965) , is a general outline for future synods.  Ordo synodi episcoporum (1966) contains the norms regarding how themes are chosen, organizational details as well as some very specific details for the gatherings themselves.  This document is updated to reflect current structure or needs.  The Code of Canon Law (1983) has a chapter dedicated to the Synod of Bishops.  Most recently, People Francis issued Apostolic constituio episcopalis communio (2018) which is the current governing document for Synods.  The essential change that Pope Francis made to the previous documents is the inclusion of the entire People of God in both the consultation and implementation phases.