Note that Pope Francis told woman married to divorced man that taking Communion OK . Heidi Schlumpf : Vatican backing away , but if true , pope may signal softening on divorce rule . Some prelates have lobbied to relax rules barring divorced from marriage . Of course , as the representative of the magisterium ( or teaching authority ) of the church , the pope is expected to toe the party line on church teaching -- especially in public . Note : Private conversation with Pope does n't automatically change Catholic teaching .
Note that Pope Francis told woman married to divorced man that taking Communion OK . Heidi Schlumpf : Vatican backing away , but if true , pope may signal softening on divorce rule . Some prelates have lobbied to relax rules barring divorced from marriage . Note : Private conversation with Pope does n't automatically change Catholic teaching .