What happened at today's Vatican press conference? Archbishop Ignatius Kaigama of Nigeria complained about Western attempts to influence African values--especially the flooding of the continent with condoms. "We want food," he said, and health care. And Archbishop Victor M. Fernandez, rector of the Pontifical Catholic University of Argentina--and reportedly Pope Francis's head writer--explained that in convening the synod the pope had initiated a process that would produce fruit over time, not immediately. He noted that some bishops have insisted that the marriage bond cannot be weakened, while others insist on realism. Are the bishops looking at changing doctrine? No, according to Fernandez. They are examining its pastoral application. But the fact that the synod is pastoral, doesn't mean it won't deepen doctrine. Pastoral application is not second-class theology.

Amen. For the presser in tweets, click through the jump.

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