The Vatican announced the creation of 10 study groups to focus on themes that arose at last October’s Synod on Synodality, an announcement that prompted mixed reactions: Are the groups a way to “kick the can down the road,” on controversial questions like the possibility of ordaining women deacons, asks host Colleen Dulle, or are they the beginning of a new, synodal way of making decisions in the church?

This week on “Inside the Vatican,” Colleen and Gerry discuss the study groups along with new appointments to the Pontifical Council for the Protection of Minors, and Pope Francis’ new book, Life, My Story Through History.

Find full show notes and links for further reading here.

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Tokio Myers