In a dramatic shift in tone, a Vatican document said on Monday that homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer" and asked if Catholicism could accept gays and recognize positive aspects of same-sex couples. (Question from Ron: I wonder if they were sitting in the Sistine Chapel where hundreds of paintings on the ceiling and behind the altar were painting by one of the most talented gay men in history, Michelangelo.)

The document, prepared after a week of discussions at an assembly of 200 bishops on the family, said the Church should challenge itself to find "a fraternal space" for homosexuals without compromising Catholic doctrine on family and matrimony.

While the text did not signal any change in the Church's condemnation of homosexual acts or its opposition to gay marriage, it used language that was less judgmental and more compassionate than past Vatican statements under previous popes.

The document will be the basis for discussion for the second and final week of the assembly, known as a synod, which was called by Pope Francis and focuses on the theme of the family.

It will also serve for further reflection among Catholics around the world ahead of another, definitive synod next year.

Update: Like the Lord, the Pope gives and the Pope takes. There has been so much rebellion against the pope's seemingly new gay friendly attitude, that the Vatican is trying to walk back the previously marks on accepting gays.