In a dramatic shift in tone, a Vatican document states that homosexuals had "gifts and qualities to offer" and asks if Catholicism could accept them, and recognize positive aspects of same-sex couples.

Roman Catholic gay rights groups around the world hailed the paper as a breakthrough, but Church conservatives called it a betrayal of traditional family values.

The document, known as a relatio post disceptationem, received applause when it was read aloud in the synod hall after a week of discussions, due to continue this week. 

Bernie Jameson reports.