Hundreds of clergy will gather in Rome in October for the second Synod on the Family, which will cover topics like the treatment of divorced and gay people.
The document states that the route for divorced people to be given Communion, something currently prohibited by the Church, "requires further discussion".
It suggests that couples could commit to remain chaste in marriage as a condition of receiving the sacrament.
Bishops previously met to discuss similar issues last year but agreement could not be reached on key issues.
The working paper echoes the language used at the previous meeting that gay people should be offered pastoral care but it still makes no mention of recognising their relationships.
Vatican spokespeople say the document is simply a starting point and not everything that will be covered.
Revd Thomas Rosica said: "These are merely points of discussion, and the pope wants open, frank, bold and courageous discussion."
The views of "dioceses, parishes, ecclesial associations, grass-roots groups of faithful, civil movements and organizations" from across the world are included in the 78-page document.
The Catholic Church's Synod on the Family will take place at the Vatican between October 4th and 25th.
It will conclude by offering a set of proposals to Pope Francis, who will have the final say on any changes to Church teaching.