Bishops gather in Vatican for debates on contentious family and social issues

Bishops from across the world are meeting at the Vatican to discuss a series of contentious social issues.

Pope Francis is opening the two week extraordinary synod, the first since his election in March last year.

Among the topics to be debated are same-sex marriage, contraception and whether to allow remarried divorcees to take Communion.

More than 200 cardinals, bishops and archbishops will hold discussions with a dozen hand-picked married couples who will be asked their opinions on the challenges facing modern Catholic families.

This is the first synod of his papacy and Pope Francis is said to be determined to foster an open debate on many divisive issues within the Catholic Church.