Formally opened by Pope Francis in October 2021, the synod is a multi-stage Synodal Process that began with a year of discernment/consultation at the diocesan level, continued with a year of discernment/consultation at the continental level, and now  culminates in two Rome-based gatherings in October, 2023 and October, 2024. This year’s 2023 Rome-based gathering  marked the first time that women, and laypeople generally, are official delegates and have the right to vote. The 40-page document will now return to the Local Churches for further discernment and recommendations.