A decision by Pope Francis to reject a proposal to allow the ordination of married men in remote areas delighted conservatives but devastated many who had hoped it would bring momentous change to the church.
The arguments: Conservatives warned the change would set the Roman Catholic Church on a slippery slope toward lifting priestly celibacy and weakening traditions. Liberals worried about the church’s future with a shortage of priests and increasing competition from evangelicals in many countries.
The fallout: Francis had in the past expressed openness on the subject. Coming seven years into his papacy, the decision raised the question of whether his promotion of discussing once-taboo issues was largely talk.
Culled from the Thursday Morning Breifing of The New York Times.
PHOTO CREDIT:Pope Francis at the Vatican on Wednesday. Maurizio Brambatti/EPA, via Shutterstock.
