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Pope Francis: Vatican begins landmark synod to discuss family life Pope Francis: Vatican begins landmark synod to discuss family life
(about 5 hours later)
Pope Francis and more than 200 senior bishops are meeting at the Vatican to discuss some of the most controversial issues affecting the Catholic Church. Pope Francis has opened a gathering of more than 200 senior Roman Catholic bishops by urging them not to impose what he called "intolerable moral burdens" on believers.
The gathering, known as a synod, is discussing the Church's position on controversial issues.
They will be joined by lay Catholics to debate abortion, contraception, homosexuality and divorce.They will be joined by lay Catholics to debate abortion, contraception, homosexuality and divorce.
The extraordinary synod lasts two weeks and a follow-up meeting will be held next year. The synod will last two weeks and no immediate changes are expected.
Pope Francis said on Saturday that he wanted bishops to really listen to the Catholic community. At a Mass opening the gathering, the Pope said he hoped bishops would participate freely in the discussions.
He said he hoped they would have a "sincere, open and fraternal" discussion that would respond to the "epochal changes" that families were living through. "Synod gatherings are not meant to discuss beautiful and clever ideas, or to see who is more intelligent," Pope Francis said. Rather, it's an opportunity to "work generously with authentic freedom and humble creativity," he said.
Last year, a global survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics reject Church teaching on issues such as sex and contraception. Previous synods have had set agendas, with proceedings tightly controlled by the powerful cardinals of the Roman Curia, the central government of the Church, correspondents say.
The synod will focus particularly on issues related to family life.
Last year, a global survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics rejected Church teaching on issues such as sex and contraception.
On Saturday, the Pontiff said he hoped Bishops would respond to the "epochal changes" that families were living through.
As one of the world's oldest religious institutions, the Catholic Church is in no hurry to change its teachings, says the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt in Rome.As one of the world's oldest religious institutions, the Catholic Church is in no hurry to change its teachings, says the BBC's religious affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt in Rome.
No-one should expect rapid results from this Synod, but many Catholics are hoping that it will bring some change, our correspondent adds. Despite that, many Catholics are hoping the meetings might lead to some change, our correspondent adds.
After these two weeks of debate, the Synod will gather again in a year's time to continue its review.After these two weeks of debate, the Synod will gather again in a year's time to continue its review.
The Catholic Church has more than one billion members around the world.