A document approved by Pope Francis lays out nuanced guidance in keeping with his vision of a more inclusive church, but it does not amount to a policy change in the church, the Vatican says.
Some women participating in a conference on sensitive church issues said they feel heartened by the discussions taking place, though change may remain slow.
A major meeting to discuss sensitive issues in the Catholic Church is being held with the utmost secrecy and discretion. Outside, it’s a different story.
Pope Francis’ calls for open-minded discussion will be tested this week as bishops meet with lay people, including women, to debate topics such as married priests and the blessing of gay couples.
Where Francis sees rigid ideology replacing faith in the conservative American Catholic hierarchy, his critics see a struggle to preserve traditions and teachings they saw as settled.