The Roman Catholic church has formally launched discussions on whether to allow married men to be ordained as priests in regions such as the Amazon, where there is a shortage of Catholic clergy.

Pope Francis opened an assembly of bishops from around the world at the Vatican on Sunday. They will discuss issues pertaining to the Amazon, which has been ravaged by forest fires in recent months.

At a Mass, Pope Francis called for the church to be open to change. He said if everything continues as it was, God's gift will vanish.

The Pope suggested that the rule to allow only celibate men to become priests be reviewed for the Amazon. The region has many Catholics, but suffers a chronic shortage of priests.

The Roman Catholic church declared marriage by priests invalid at a council in 1139.

NHK