Several synod participants, speaking on background, have acknowledged that, despite their own personal opinions, Francis himself seems to be concerned about the clericalization of the laity, more than once asking participants to present different solutions.
Respecting the confidentiality of the synod, Salesian Father Martin Lasarte from Uruguay, who was a special appointment by Pope Francis to the Synod of Bishops’ meeting, refused to confirm or deny this, instead saying the key issues of the synod are not ordained ministries, but evangelization and integral ecology.