Catholic bishops called for allowing married priests and the possibility of female deacons over the weekend, sharpening a rift among theologians and church leaders on the two controversial subjects.

The possibility of married priests emerged as Catholic leaders gathered over the past few weeks in a synod, or meeting, on issues related to the Pan-Amazonian region that covers much of South America, including a priest shortage. The bishops at the synod proposed permitting married men to become priests to address the shortage, which was preventing Catholics from frequently receiving the Eucharist, the body and blood of Christ consecrated during Mass.