Pope Signals Openness To Blessing Same-Sex Unions Amid Fears Of Schism Over Reform Agenda

Pope Francis suggested priests could bless same-sex unions in some cases but affirmed Catholic teaching that marriage is between a man and woman.
Francis made the comments in a letter to conservative cardinals who had challenged him on church doctrine regarding homosexuality.
The pope has opened a synod on the church's future allowing women and laypeople to vote alongside bishops for the first time.
Topics like women's leadership roles, LGBTQ inclusion, married priests, and accountability for clergy abuse are up for debate.
Progressives hope for liberalizing reforms but conservatives fear changes to doctrine could lead to schism.