VATICAN CITY: Pope Francis says he's looking for a "sincere, open and fraternal" debate about divisive family issues that opens tomorrow, with progressives hoping for change and conservatives intent on keeping the status quo.
Francis made a cameo appearance today at a twilight prayer vigil in St. Peter's Square on the eve of a two-week meeting of bishops aimed at making the church's teaching on sex, marriage, divorce and homosexuality relevant to today's Catholics.
Francis said he wanted the bishops to listen really listen to what the people of God are saying and then engage in a "sincere, open and fraternal" debate that will respond to the "epochal changes" that Catholic families are living through today