The final document was an obvious compromise intended to gain support from both reformers and hardliners.

CHR Comment: Statements from the media seemed especially sensitive to some of the rhetoric from members of the synod. Articles published in the International Business Times and Reuters News Service described the pope as “lambasting” conservatives. The attached USA Today article accused the synod of punting on the topic of homosexuality. Members of the media seem intent on pushing for change in Roman Catholicism. One headline described the church as moving to the left slowly. The new statements about divorce are significant.

Source: Vatican summit opens door for divorced, punts on welcome to gays