Here\u2019s something you don\u2019t see every day: a big story in The\u00a0New York Times about the papal document scheduled for release tomorrow.<\/p>\n
Take a look:<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n In what could be an important moment for his leadership of the Roman Catholic Church<\/a>, Pope Francis<\/a> is scheduled to issue a major document on Friday regarding family issues. It is titled \u201cAmoris Laetitia,\u201d Latin for \u201cThe Joy of Love.\u201d<\/p>\n In the document, known as an apostolic exhortation, the pope could change church practice on thorny subjects like whether divorced Catholics who remarry without having obtained annulments can receive holy communion. He might address debates over same-sex relationships, cohabitation and polygamy, an issue in Africa. Or, he could sidestep such divisive topics and stick to broader philosophical statements.<\/p>\n Having led Catholics into such delicate terrain, Francis has stirred hope and fear. Some religious conservatives warn he could destabilize the church and undermine Catholic doctrine. Some liberals, though, are hoping Francis will directly address same-sex marriage<\/a> and contraception in a way that would make the church more responsive to today\u2019s realities.<\/p>\n \u201cI\u2019m sure he knew he would touch some nerves,\u201d said John Thavis, a longtime Vatican analyst and the author of \u201cThe Vatican Diaries.\u201d \u201cHe may not have appreciated how much opposition there could be.\u201d<\/p>\n But both sides might be disappointed.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n\n