Article: Pope endorses need to widen women's role But the question is how far the `new feminism' will be allowed to go

The pope says the Roman Catholic Church is in need of a woman's touch. The question remains: How far will the reach extend?

Pope John Paul etched deeper Thursday the dual identity of women in the church: blocked from power but hailed as powerful agents to shape and revitalize the faith.

In a document examining religious life, the pope endorsed "providing room for women to participate . . . at all levels," including having a greater hand in training priests and setting church agendas. His statement could lead to increased participation of women in the political sphere, such as Vatican diplomacy.

But the 201-page text gives no clear direction on how to make the reforms and create ...

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