Pope Francis aimed to unify various strands of Catholicism through synods, which are councils of bishops established to moderate papal power. While synods are consultative and not binding, they influence church decisions and could impact future papacies. Pope Francis made significant decisions, such as allowing blessings for same-sex unions and appointing women to high positions, but faced opposition, particularly from conservative factions. The future of synods and their role in the church remains uncertain, with concerns about their potential to disrupt traditional Catholicism.