Synod of Bishops

The institution of the Synod of Bishops was established by Paul VI on Sept. 15, 1965, in keeping with the request of the Fathers of the Second Vatican Council, to maintain the collegial spirit fostered by the Council. Although it has a General Secretariate which is a standing office of the Holy See, the Synod itself is not a standing body, or part of the Roman Curia. Rather, it is those bishops from throughout the Church, and others as determined by the Pontiff, called together to advise the Pope on some matter he has determined.