Is the phrase “the synodal Church” therefore accurate in describing the current status quo and trajectory of the Catholic Church? Envisioning “a synodal Church”On July 23, 2026, Vatican News posted that “FABC delegates envision a synodal Church that builds bridges across Asia”. It is thus clear that the synodal church is a new church and is not the same as the Catholic Church. Yet another document issued under Francis, with due homage to Vatican II, implies an evolutionary trajectory from the Catholic Church towards the new synodal church. It is thus clear that the synodal church is a new church and is not the same as the Catholic Church.