Mutua Concordia: Enhancing the Responsibility of the Synod of Bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches

Mutua concordia, an Apostolic Letter issued by Pope Leo XIV motu proprio on August 29, 2026, introduces modifications to Canons 106 and 126 of the Code of Canons of the Eastern Churches (CCEO 1990). These modifications strengthen the role and responsibility of the Synod of Bishops of the Eastern Catholic Churches. It gives the Synod greater responsibility in situations where the Patriarch or Major Archbishop fails to fulfil his duties. It provides the Synod with the authority to convoke the Synod when the Patriarch or Major Archbishop fails to do so. Furthermore, when there is a serious cause, the Synod is empowered to proceed, according to the norms and procedures established in the document, toward the removal of the Patriarch or Major Archbishop from office.