NYC's Catholic Cardinal and Couples Called to Rome to Talk Family Values

Pope Francis called on average Catholics to join clergy in a candid conversation about family values at a special synod — or meeting, usually conducted only by Vatican insiders. Catholic observers wonder if it's a sign the pope is considering a shift in how the church deals with controversial matters like divorce, same-sex unions and cohabitation, colloquially called "living in sin."

"There's been a lot of conversation and debate between cardinals — very public, which is unprecedented, but I think it's very healthy for the church," said Jesuit priest Father Jim Martin, who's following the synod closely from New York City as Editor at Large of America magazine. 

The pope first put taboos on the table last year, when he asked NYC Cardinal Timothy Dolan and bishops around the world to engage their communities in conversation about topics like birth control and same sex couples and fill out a questionnaire. 

WNYC's Amy Eddings spoke to Father Martin about what's being discussed at the two-week synod and how New York might feel its effects.