The disclosure followed other indications that the likely outcome of the surgery was less clear than earlier Vatican statements had sought to suggest.

Vatican statements normally prescribe general moral principles and leave their legal applications to the local bishops.

The Vatican statement comes after months of tension over the convent and the question of whether a new center would be built.

Australia is significant in its reaction to the Vatican statement for two reasons.

An editorial in the same issue criticized the "archaic view" of the Vatican statement.

A Vatican statement said the problem was being addressed and was confined to "a limited geographical area."

The official Vatican statement said the doctors' goal is "to allow for a complete and more speedy recovery of mobility."

Many were waiting to see how theologians would explain exactly how authoritative the latest Vatican statement was.

The Vatican statement did not address whether the Legion's current leadership would face any sanctions.

The Vatican statement did not make direct reference to sin in ruling out certain practices.