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Bishop of Blackburn Philip North - who tabled the amendment slimming down the choice put before the synod to one option - argued that the simpler model could be implemented more quickly.

Victims and survivors of abuse, along with several members of the clergy, have called for safeguarding reform, and the subject has been placed on this week's synod agenda.

Advocates for greater roles for women in the Church had hoped the synod might call for women to serve as deacons.

The pope’s mixed record on LGBTQ+ issues was epitomized by the Vatican’s 2023 synod bringing together hundreds of bishops and lay people from around the world to confer on the future of the church.

The synod aims to make the church more inclusive and reflective of and responsive to the needs of rank-and-file Catholics.