The entire editorial board of a Vatican women's magazine has resigned, alleging a 'climate of distrust'.
Women World Church is a monthly glossy magazine published alongside the Vatican's L’Osservatore Romano newspaper.
First published as an insert in 2012, it grew to become a full 40-page magazine in 2016.
The magazine focuses on 'delving into the role of women in the Church'.
However, founder Lucetta Scaraffia and the rest of the editorial board now say they're 'throwing in the towel'.
Associated Press quoted an editorial which has been sent to the publishers but not yet printed.
The editorial states: "We are throwing in the towel because we feel surrounded by a climate of distrust and progressive de-legitimisation."
The board claimed the “conditions no longer exist” to continue working with the newspaper, arguing: "They are returning to the practice of selecting women who ensure obedience.
"They are returning to clerical self-reference and are giving up that 'parresia' (freedom to speak freely) that Pope Francis so often seeks."
Response
Andrea Monda, the new editor of L’Osservatore Romano, insisted he made no effort to interfere or discredit the magazine.
He stressed he had allowed the editorial staff 'total autonomy'.
He added that he only offered suggestions on possible themes and contributors.
Mr Monda also indicated that the publication will continue despite the resignations.
Lucetta Scaraffia and Women World Church made global headlines last month when they denounced the sexual abuse of nuns by priests.
They said nuns have been silenced for years by fear of retaliation against them, or their orders, if they reported the priests who abused them.
It led to Pope Francis acknowledging the scandal for the first time.
He said: "There have been priests and also bishops who have done that. And I believe that it may still be being done."
