In this brief update of America’s “Inside the Vatican” podcast, I explain how these decisions fit into Francis' pattern of entrusting important decisions to local churches—and what challenges churches face when trying to make these decisions.

In a highly significant move, Francis “officially” presents the synod’s final document, which includes the synod’s hot-button issues, to the Catholic Church worldwide.

Pope Francis warned the bishops that many in the media and the general public will be focusing on those two issues -- married priests and women deacons -- while he wanted to focus on the social, pastoral, ecological and cultural challenges facing the Amazon region.

Pope Francis’ much awaited exhortation on the Pan-Amazonian synod will be released on Feb. 12.

On "Inside the Vatican" this week, Gerard O'Connell explains why he was skeptical of a supposed leak of Pope Francis' forthcoming document on the Amazon.