Episode Details

Pope Francis on Wednesday is opening a gathering of bishops and others to discuss the future of the Roman Catholic Church. Some of the discussions include subjects that have never been considered before.

教皇方济各周三将召开主教和其他人士的聚会，讨论罗马天主教会的未来。 有些讨论包括以前从未考虑过的主题。

For the first time, women and non-clergy can vote alongside bishops in what is called a Synod of Bishops. The change reflects Francis’ belief that the Church is more about its people than its leaders.

女性和非神职人员第一次可以在所谓的主教会议上与主教一起投票。 这一变化反映了方济各的信念，即教会更多地关注其人民而不是其领导人。

The gathering, called a synod, starts on October 4 and will end on the 29. It will be followed by a second gathering next year. The second synod is expected to put forward detailed proposals for Francis to consider in a future document.

这次聚会称为主教会议，于 10 月 4 日开始，将于 29 日结束。明年将举行第二次聚会。 预计第二次会议将提出详细建议，供方济各在未来的文件中考虑。

The synod will have 365 voting members including the pope and 54 women. Their numbers are chosen by national bishops’ organizations and religious orders.

会议将有 365 名投票成员，其中包括教皇和 54 名女性。 他们的人数由国家主教组织和宗教团体选出。

In addition, there are around 100 experts and “facilitators,” who will help move the discussion along. But they will not vote on a final document.

此外，还有大约 100 名专家和“协调员”，他们将帮助推动讨论。 但他们不会对最终文件进行投票。

The working document for the gathering came after two years of listening to concerns from Catholics around the world. The aim has been to raise questions and start a debate.

这次聚会的工作文件是在听取了世界各地天主教徒两年来的担忧后制定的。 目的是提出问题并引发辩论。

For example, the document calls for specific steps to 

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