Pope Francis has opened the extraordinary general session of the Synod of Bishops on family life at the Vatican.

The pontiff and more than 200 senior bishops will be joined by lay Catholics to discuss some of the most controversial issues affecting the Catholic Church: abortion, contraception, homos**uality and divorce.

The extraordinary Synod lasts two weeks and a follow-up meeting will be held next year.

Pope Francis said on October 4 that he wanted bishops to really listen to the Catholic community.

Pope Francis has opened the extraordinary general session of the Synod of Bishops on family life at the Vatican (photo Reuters)

The pontiff said he hoped they would have a “sincere, open and fraternal” discussion that would respond to the “epochal changes” that families were living through.

Last year, a global survey launched by Pope Francis suggested that the majority of Catholics reject Church teaching on issues such as s** and contraception.

As one of the world’s oldest religious institutions, the Catholic Church is in no hurry to change its teachings.

No-one should expect rapid results from this Synod, but many Catholics are hoping that it will bring some change.

After these two weeks of debate, the Synod will gather again in a year’s time to continue its review.

The Catholic Church has more than one billion members around the world.

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