Catholics debate role of women

A Vatican assembly on the future of the Catholic Church on Saturday said that more should be done to help women overcome "obstacles" to taking leadership roles in the Church.

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Since 2 October, the Assembly of the Synod, comprising 368 religious and lay people – including women – from about 100 countries, has held closed-door debates about rejuvenating the Roman Catholic Church.

It is a personal project of Pope Francis who will have the final say on any doctrinal changes.

But in a rare move, the pontiff on Saturday said he would directly adopt the consultative body's proposals.