The views of Irish Catholics on reforms wanted in the church have been delivered to the Vatican.
The information was gathered over the last year as the church held a listening exercise in all 26 Dioceses as well as receiving some individual submissions.
The changes sought include equal status for women in the church’s structures, as well as married priests and greater inclusion of LGBTQI+ people.
The process has also identified “many challenges” for the future of the Catholic church in this country, according to the bishops, “including a need for inner healing and hope”.
The church has experienced a “major decline” in the practice of the faith, as well as a lack of vocations to the priesthood and religious life.
The Vatican is to hold a Global Synod in October 2023 led by Pope Francis to examine the submissions from every country.
