Pope Francis' Controversial Stance: Same-Sex Blessings and Women's Ordination

A group of cardinals, including Raymond Burke and Walter Brandmüller, have expressed dissatisfaction with Pope Francis' long-form answers on issues such as LGBT blessings and the ordination of women. The cardinals submitted a set of dubia, seeking simple yes or no responses, but the pope's responses were not to their liking. The cardinals have published their questions in multiple languages for lay Catholics. While some media outlets misreported that the pope condoned gay marriage, he affirmed the traditional definition of marriage as between a man and a woman. The pope left the question of non-marital blessings open for debate. The upcoming Synod of Bishops has raised concerns among conservative Catholics, who fear the inclusion of non-clerics risks "democratizing" the Church. The Synod will discuss the Catholic Church in the modern day and its future direction.