Women’s role in Catholic Church tops Pope’s agenda in new reform project phase

Francis presided over Mass in St Peter’s Square at the opening of the second session of the 16th General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops  Picture: AP

Pope Francis has opened the second phase of his big Catholic reform project, with widespread calls for women to take up more positions of responsibility in the church topping the agenda – but ordained ministry still being ruled out.

Francis presided over an opening Mass in St Peter’s Square with the 368 bishops and laypeople who will meet behind closed doors for the next three weeks to discuss the future of the church and how to make it more responsive to the needs of Catholics today.