The Vatican is hosting a three-day symposium on the Catholic priesthood amid renewed public attention on clergy sex abuse scandals involving both children and adults and fresh research into the abuses of priestly power.

There is only a slim chance of Vatican approval for resolutions calling for a relaxation of celibacy rules for priests and for permitting women to be deacons.

In an important move, Pope Francis has issued a decree, published “motu proprio” (on his own initiative), in which he has modified the internal structure of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith.

Although Benedict expresses regret that abuse happened on his watch, he does not take responsibility for any specific cases, and his lawyers maintain his innocence.

“Life is a right, not death, which must be welcomed, not administered,” Pope Francis said during his weekly audience. “And this ethical principle applies to, concerns everyone, not just Christians or believers.”

The duty of the Secretariat for the Economy includes “to report transparently” so that those who contribute “are then able see how the money with which they help is spent,” Juan Antonio Guerrero, S.J., said Friday.