The meeting, previously convened by the pope as part of broader reform efforts to make the church more inclusive, ended with the approval of a 42-page text to be discussed at a second session next year. Although the proposals are not binding, the text emphasized that it is “urgent” to give women a greater role in church decision-making and responsible positions within the church.
However, the meeting did not address specific calls to welcome LGBTQ+ Catholics, despite Pope Francis’ previous overtures to this community. In addition, agreement has been reached on further investigations into clergy sexual abuse and the supervision of bishops who may be involved in such cases. The possibility of revising canon law is also being considered. The meeting was historic in giving laypeople the right to vote, although some dispute the legitimacy of the meeting, which was traditionally intended for bishops.