"Vatican calls for concrete action and LGBTQ+ inclusion"

The Vatican has released a working document that calls for concrete steps to promote women to decision-making roles, radical inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, and new accountability measures to check how bishops exercise authority. The document highlights key concerns that emerged during the consultation process, which began at the local parish level and concluded with seven continent-wide assemblies. The synod, as it is known, is a key priority of Pope Francis, reflecting his vision of a church that is more about the faithful rank-and-file than its priests.