An ''instrumentum laboris'' (
Latin
Latin (, or , ) is a classical language belonging to the Italic branch of the Indo-European languages. Latin was originally a dialect spoken in the lower Tiber area (then known as Latium) around present-day Rome, but through the power ...
for 'working instrument') is a type of
Vatican official document used at a
General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops. The first such document was drafted for the
Synod on evangelization in 1974.
The ''instrumentum laboris'' is based on responses to the ''
Lineamenta'', an introduction and outline of the subject for discussion which is sent to all
Episcopal Conferences
Episcopal may refer to:
*Of or relating to a bishop, an overseer in the Christian church
*Episcopate, the see of a bishop – a diocese
*Episcopal Church (disambiguation), any church with "Episcopal" in its name
** Episcopal Church (United State ...
, Eastern Churches, Departments of the
Curia
Curia (Latin plural curiae) in ancient Rome referred to one of the original groupings of the citizenry, eventually numbering 30, and later every Roman citizen was presumed to belong to one. While they originally likely had wider powers, they came ...
and the Union of Superiors General before an assembly of bishops. Responses to the ''Lineamenta'' are sent to the
General Secretariat
Secretary is a title often used in organizations to indicate a person having a certain amount of authority, power, or importance in the organization. Secretaries announce important events and communicate to the organization. The term is derived ...
, who then organizes the submissions to determine the primary discussion points of the assembly. He then drafts the ''instrumentum laboris'' as a guide to the discussion, incorporating the input received from the ''Lineamenta'' along with the teachings of the Church on the subject and any other relevant material. The document is then approved by the
Pope
The pope ( la, papa, from el, πάππας, translit=pappas, 'father'), also known as supreme pontiff ( or ), Roman pontiff () or sovereign pontiff, is the bishop of Rome (or historically the patriarch of Rome), head of the worldwide Cathol ...
, translated as necessary, and sent to the bishops assembled for the Synod. The assembled bishops will discuss the contents, and are free to modify or even rewrite it completely over the course of the Synod. The document may also be published for reading by the general public.
The ''instrumentum laboris'' is not an indicator of what the conclusions of the Synod will be, but can give an idea of the general consensus in the Church on the subject of discussion.
Pope
John Paul II
Pope John Paul II ( la, Ioannes Paulus II; it, Giovanni Paolo II; pl, Jan Paweł II; born Karol Józef Wojtyła ; 18 May 19202 April 2005) was the head of the Catholic Church and sovereign of the Vatican City State from 1978 until his ...
stated that the document was "a sign and builder of communion,
inceit expresses the voice of the Church, and at the same time it fosters an exchange which enriches that voice in the common task".
Due to talks at Vatican II, the majority of bishops present agreed that the ''instrumentum laboris'' was essential for the life of the church.
References
Documents of the Catholic Church
{{RC-stubhttps://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2023/06/20/0456/01015.html#en