Pope Francis’s Synod on Synodality and Modern Sociology: Exploring Behavioral and Research Aspects

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Vivencio Ballano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

Pope Francis’s Synod on Synodality and Modern Sociology

Exploring Behavioral and Research Aspects

Vivencio Ballano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)

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English

Routledge
26 December 2025

Research methods: general; Religion: general; Church history; Roman Catholicism, Roman Catholic Church; Sociology

Series: Routledge Studies in Religion

This book focuses on the value and necessity of modern sociology to Pope Francis’s church reform project known as the Synod on Synodality. It explores the behavioral and research aspects of this latest synod, applying sociological perspectives and methods and drawing on secondary literature, media reports, and church documents. The author argues that sociology is crucial for translating the major theological concepts into behavioral and research indicators to empirically ground the overall theological framework of the synod as an ecclesial innovation rather than a revolution in the Catholic Church. The importance of sociological research methodology is emphasized to guide the synod’s complex and multi-stage qualitative data collection, which seeks to understand the synodal concerns of all Catholics in today’s world. The book addresses the need for scientific approaches to church reforms and for a nuanced complementarity between sociology and theology. It will be of particular interest to scholars of theology, religion, and sociology, as well as those actively involved in the workings of the Catholic Church.

By: Vivencio Ballano (Polytechnic University of the Philippines)
Imprint: Routledge
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Dimensions: Height: 234mm, Width: 156mm,
ISBN: 9781032853338
ISBN 10: 1032853336
Series: Routledge Studies in Religion
Pages: 198
Publication Date: 26 December 2025
Audience: College/higher education , Primary
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Forthcoming

Acknowledgements Part I: Introduction 1 Introduction Part II: Exploring the Sociological Foundations and Innovations of Synodality 2 The Significance of Sociology in Pope Francis’s Synodality 3 The Sociological Innovations of Pope Francis’s Synodality 4 Ecclesial Innovations to Implement Vatican II in Pope Francis’s Synodality Part III: SoS's Sociological Methodology and Research Road Map 5 Establishing a Sociological Methodology for Synodality 6 Defining and Operationalizing Synodality and Synodal Church 7 Focus Group Discussion for Synodality’s Roundtable Sharing 8 Resolving Moral Issues and Research Networks for Synodality 9 Enhancing Empirical Synodal Thinking through Sociology and the Social Sciences

Vivencio O. Ballano is an Associate Professor in the Department of Sociology at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Manila. His books for Routledge include In Defense of Married Priesthood (2023) and Celibacy, Seminary Formation, and Catholic Clerical Sexual Abuse (2024).