Five conservative cardinals have publicly called on Pope Francis to reaffirm Catholic doctrine on same-sex couples and the ordination of women, two days before the opening of a major Vatican meeting on controversial topics, AFP reported.

In this official document, published by two blogs specializing in the Vatican and used by AFP, the cardinals ask the pope questions about the blessing of same-sex couples, the ordination of women and the conditions for absolution.

When asked, the Vatican cited a seven-page response in which the Pope declares that “Divine Revelation” is “immutable” and also notes that the Church “must grow in its understanding.”

Dissatisfied with this response, the signatories reformulated their “Doubts” (“Dubia” in Latin) and published an open letter to Catholics that was circulated on these blogs.

In it, they explain that, “considering the seriousness of the matter,” they have a “duty to inform” the faithful “so that (they) do not succumb to confusion, error, and disbelief.”

The five cardinals appointed by Benedict XVI and John Paul II and known for their conservative positions are German Cardinal Walter Brandmüller, American Raymond Burke, Mexican Sandoval Iñiguez, Guinean Robert Sara and Cardinal Joseph Zen, former bishop of Hong Kong.

None of them hold positions in the government of the Holy See.