Vatican Synod Leaves Uncertainty on Women Deacons and LGBTQ+ Issues

The Vatican synod, a month-long gathering of the Catholic Church's highest consultative body, ended with divisions over the issues of LGBTQ+ inclusion and women deacons. Pope Francis had expressed openness to blessing same-sex couples, but conservative bishops from Eastern Europe, Africa, and elsewhere opposed this, resulting in the synod's concluding report omitting any mention of LGBTQ+ and using vague language about marginalized individuals. The synod also showed divisions on the role of women in the church and the question of priestly celibacy. The ideological rifts within the global church highlight the challenges faced by Pope Francis in unifying the faithful and making reforms.