Pope Francis Breaks Tradition, Allows Women to Vote at Bishops' Meeting

Pope Francis has allowed women to vote at an upcoming meeting of bishops, marking a historic reform that reflects his hopes to give women greater decision-making responsibilities and laypeople more say in the life of the Catholic Church. Until now, only men could vote at the Synod of Bishops, a Vatican body that gathers the world's bishops together for periodic meetings. The changes approved by Francis will allow five religious sisters and 70 non-bishop members, half of whom will be women, to have a vote. The move has been praised by Catholic women's groups as a significant step forward.