THE BURNED OVER DISTRICT

Despite what we on the outside may think, Pope Francis is in the middle of an archaic and all too conservative bureaucracy that doesn't hesitate to exercise the power of the pillow against Popes it doesn't like. With this in mind, it is good to see him take the various steps toward a more Christlike church even if they do come slowly.

The Vatican abruptly ended its takeover of the main leadership group of American nuns on Thursday, allowing Pope Francis to put to rest a confrontation started by his predecessor that had created an uproar among American Catholics who came to the sisters’ defense.

Four of the leaders of the American nuns’ group, the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, were called to an unexpected meeting on Thursday with Pope Francis in the Vatican that lasted 50 minutes. He did not speak publicly, but the sisters said afterward in a statement that they were “deeply heartened” by Francis’ “expression of appreciation” for the lives and ministry of Catholic sisters.

The sweeping investigation of American women’s religious orders was begun under Francis’ predecessor, Pope Benedict XVI, at the urging of American and some foreign prelates who accused the sisters of disobeying the bishops and departing from Catholic doctrine. It set off protests by Catholic laypeople across the country, who signed petitions and sent letters to the Vatican in defense of the sisters.

The matter has now been brought to an early conclusion by Francis, who has never spoken directly about it in public but has often talked of the important role of women in the church and the nuns and priests in religious orders. He himself is a member of the Jesuit order.

The news came in a brief report issued jointly by the Leadership Conference of Women Religious and the three American bishops who had been appointed by the Vatican three years ago to take over and overhaul the organization.

The report cast the process as one of “collaboration,” saying, “Our extensive conversations were marked by a spirit of prayer, love for the Church, mutual respect, and cooperation. We found our conversations to be mutually beneficial.”

With each step the church gets better, but will he have time to insure a successor who will cary on his work?