Pope Francis has approved changes to allow women to vote at a meeting of bishops in Rome, marking a significant step forward for gender equality within the Catholic Church. The move comes as the Church increasingly follows changing social norms rather than sticking to traditional religious dogma. Nathalie Becquart became the first woman to have the right to vote in the synod after being appointed as the assembly's undersecretary, and 53 other women have since joined her. The meeting will address various issues including the role of women in the Church and the celibacy of priests.