Catholic reform debate launched by Pope Francis leans away from ordained roles for women

Associated Press

ROME (AP) — Pope Francis’ big Catholic reform project has opened with widespread calls for women to take up more positions of responsibility in the church topping the agenda. But in a status report Wednesday night, the Vatican’s doctrine chief said the debate was veering away from ordaining women as deacons to alternative options where women can lead communities without the benefit of ordination. Francis presided over an opening Mass in St. Peter’s Square on Wednesday with the 368 bishops and laypeople who will meet behind closed doors for the next three weeks to discuss the future of the church.