Francis Reaffirms Doctrine of the Faith's Programme

Pope Francis reaffirmed the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith's program aimed at reforming the U.S. Leadership Conference of Women Religious, a process that began under Pope Benedict XVI. The Vatican's concerns regarding this group stemmed from perceptions that it had adopted feminist influences and prioritized social and economic justice issues over the Church's teachings on abortion. Additionally, the group was criticized for allowing speakers who challenged established church doctrine. This investigation into the Leadership Conference was concluded in April 2015, reflecting ongoing tensions within the Church regarding the role and focus of women religious in the United States. The reaffirmation of this program highlighted the Vatican's commitment to maintaining doctrinal integrity while navigating the complexities of modern social issues.