Thank you for supporting journalism at your local newspaper. This article is available exclusively for our subscribers, who help fund our work at Santa Rosa Press Gazette.
Faith
Things to know about the Vatican’s big meeting on the future of the Catholic Church
Vatican City – Pope Francis on Wednesday is opening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have previously been considered off-limits for discussion.
FILE – Pope Francis standing with church leaders in front of a replica of the icon ‘Maria Salus populi romani” and the St. Damian crucifix, blesses the participants into “Together”, a vigil prayer for the Synod of Bishops in St. Peter’s Square at The Vatican, Saturday, Sept. 30, 2023, three days ahead of the official opening of the XVI Assembly of the Synod of Bishops on 4 October. Pope Francis is convening a global gathering of bishops and laypeople to discuss the future of the Catholic Church, including some hot-button issues that have previously been considered off the table for discussion. Key agenda items include women’s role in the church, welcoming LGBTQ+ Catholics and how bishops exercise authority. For the first time, women and laypeople can vote on specific proposals alongside bishops. (AP Photo/Riccardo De Luca, File)
The remainder of this article is available only for our website subscribers, who help fund our mission of keeping you updated on news you want and need to know. You can become a subscriber for as little as $5.67 a month.
