But in a papal document released Wednesday, Francis ignored the boldest one: allowing married priests. The lack of an opening for married priests, or women deacons, is expected to disappoint the Pope's liberal supporters, particularly in the Americas and Europe. (The Catholic Church already allows some married priests who have converted from other Christian traditions.) After the synod approved the measure, which would allow married priests, many Catholics expected the Pope to follow suit. Why the Pope might have blinkedSeveral factors may have caused Pope Francis not to bless his bishops' bold proposals.

Source: CNN February 12, 2020 10:52 UTC