Pope Francis urges greater family understanding

Pope Francis' latest teaching document hasn't reversed the doctrine of the Roman Catholic Church on abortion, homosexuality or contraception, despite the hopes of many.

But he has opened the door to change on the church's approach to people who've divorced and re-married.

The Pope's report says bishops and priests should interpret church teaching in ways that suit their own culture, and that could mean allowing re-married couples to receive holy communion.

Our Religious Affairs correspondent Caroline Wyatt is in Rome.