Pope Francis Concludes Synod on Women and Church's Future Amid Controversy

Pope Francis introduces novel practice of including women and laypeople in voting, seeking to make the Church more welcoming; Progressives aim for acknowledgment of LGBTQ+ and women's leadership, while conservatives caution against changes that could risk schism.

Pope Francis' month-long meeting, known as the Synod on Synodality, focused on the role of women and the future of the Catholic Church concluded with a vote on a final document, highlighting its attempt to better respond to the needs of the faithful today.
The Pope’s decision to allow women and laypeople to vote alongside bishops was a significant change to traditional Church decision-making processes, reflecting his belief that the 'People of God' in the pews should have a greater say.
The meeting has sparked controversy, with progressives hoping for a more inclusive Church that welcomes LGBTQ+ people and offers women more leadership roles, as opposed to conservatives who caution against risk of schism and underscore the need to stay true to the 2,000-year tradition of the Church.
Despite the conclusion of this meeting, further sessions planned for October next year highlight that the process is ongoing, with final recommendations to be presented to Pope Francis for his future consideration.
However, the inclusion of laypeople in the voting process has led some, like Cardinal Gerhard Mueller, to question the legitimacy of the gathering, arguing that the voice of bishops should be prioritized.