[ti:Pope Opens Gathering to Discuss Future of Catholic Church]
[al:As It Is]
[ar:VOA]
[dt:2023-10-04]
[by:www.voase.cn]
[00:00.00]Pope Francis on Wednesday is opening a gathering of bishops and others to discuss the future of the Roman Catholic Church.
[00:11.48]Some of the discussions include subjects that have never been considered before.
[00:17.97]For the first time, women and non-clergy can vote alongside bishops in what is called a Synod of Bishops. 
[00:29.27]The change reflects Francis' belief that the Church is more about its people than its leaders.
[00:39.81]The gathering, called a synod, starts on October 4 and will end on the 29. 
[00:48.67]It will be followed by a second gathering next year.
[00:54.00]The second synod is expected to put forward detailed proposals for Francis to consider in a future document.
[01:04.20]The synod will have 365 voting members including the pope and 54 women. 
[01:13.76]Their numbers are chosen by national bishops' organizations and religious orders.
[01:22.39]In addition, there are around 100 experts and "facilitators," who will help move the discussion along.
[01:32.11]But they will not vote on a final document.
[01:37.02]The working document for the gathering came after two years of listening to concerns from Catholics around the world. 
[01:46.86]The aim has been to raise questions and start a debate.
[01:53.74]For example, the document calls for specific steps to promote women to decision-making positions in the church. 
[02:03.22]And it calls for church members to have more influence in church governance.
[02:10.87]It also suggests the "inclusion" of LGBTQ+ Catholics and measures to prevent clergy from abusing their power.
[02:24.16]Some conservatives have raised questions about the synod since Francis announced it three years ago.
[02:32.12]They said that those questions have already been settled by church teachings. 
[02:39.08]And raising the questions only risks division among church members.
[02:45.98]Just this week, five conservative cardinals from Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas made their disagreement with Pope Francis public.
[02:59.45]In a letter, they put forward five questions, or "dubia," asking Francis to affirm church teaching on these issues, including homosexuality and female clergy. They said the synod was creating confusion.
[03:19.85]Francis answered that changes in the world help the church to better understand and explain its teachings and that the synod is a way to find the path forward.
[03:35.73]"With much sincerity, I tell you it's not good to be afraid of these questions," Francis told them.
[03:44.72]For two years, the preparation for the synod has been open to the public. 
[03:50.87]However, the synod itself will be closed to outsiders.
[03:56.99]There will be no live stream of the gathering. 
[04:01.33]Organizers say it will be a closed-door meeting and those taking part have been told not to speak to reporters. 
[04:11.69]No daily briefings are planned as in earlier synods although five briefings are expected to take place over the time of the gathering.
[04:23.57]Francis has defended the measures. 
[04:26.97]The pope said he did not want "political gossip" leaking out with news of attendees arguing over disputed issues.
[04:38.05]"This isn't a television show," he told reporters in August.
[04:43.74]I'm Anna Matteo.