Kate McElwee

A peaceful protest just steps from St. Peter's Square turned into a clash with Roman police, as bishops and cardinals were entering the opening session of the Synod of Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment on Oct. 3.

The delegates at the bishops' youth synod this month will hear few, if any, women's voices during the meeting, so more than 50 advocates and scholars gathered ahead of time to launch a new book and draw attention to the need for more women in church leadership and reforms.

Despite Irish Catholics' many misgivings about the sexual abuse scandals in the church and the treatment of women and LGBT people, there is much enthusiasm for the ninth World Meeting of Families, scheduled to take place Aug. 21-26 in Dublin.

Ireland's Mary McAleese describes Francis as "a disappointment in relation to women," while Voices of Faith puts forth proposals to reform the Curia's hiring practices.

"While the institutional church continues to reject and dismiss the priestly vocations of women, communities of Catholics recognize women's gifts and walk with them on a path of radical inclusion."

Feminist scholars and others at an April 16 panel discussion spoke on Francis' attitude toward women. The consensus: Despite some positive developments in his papacy, Francis' issues with women continue to disappoint.

Inspired by the Women's March and initiated at an NYC parish, organizers plan an interfaith blessing, march and Mass Jan. 21 — and are offering resources for others to join them.