Catholics want the role and vocation of women to be tackled urgently, according to a new synod report.

The report is part of an ongoing consultation process undertaken by the Catholic Church globally to tackle issues once considered taboo, such as LGBT relationships, children of priests and sexual abuse, among others.

The report’s findings show Catholics repeatedly expressed the desire for a more welcoming, inclusive Church for women and LGBT groups.

The topics are the result of listening sessions with millions of Catholic across the world over the last year.

Although the document has no teaching authority, it will serve as a framework for the Church’s so-called ‘synod process’ which will include ecclesial gatherings on every continent over the next six months.

The outcomes of the discussions from those gatherings will then be presented in two assembles scheduled for October 2023 and October 2024.

Many theologians and academics have praised the document as showing “signs of listening”.