"Urgent Call for Women's Governance Roles in the Church: Pope's Meeting Highlights"

Pope Francis' meeting on the future of the Catholic Church concluded with a call for greater participation of women in church governance roles and research on allowing women to be deacons to be released within a year. However, the meeting did not take decisive action on LGBTQ+ inclusion despite the Pope's previous outreach to the community. The proposals discussed are not binding, but they will be considered at a second session next year. The meeting also addressed issues such as clergy sexual abuse and the need for bishops to investigate and render judgment against accused priests. The inclusion of laypeople in the meeting raised questions about its legitimacy, but it was seen as reflecting the spirit of a synod.