“He talks about an economy of exclusion, while he’s been modeling and practicing inclusion publicly through his whole papacy,” Mr. Miller said.

After months in which many have parsed his comments for hints of change, the pope used the document to reiterate church teachings on abortion, homosexuality and the ordination of women. On abortion, he said, “It is not ‘progressive’ to try to resolve problems by eliminating a human life. On the other hand, it is also true that we have done little to adequately accompany women in very difficult situations,” who may seek abortions because of rape or extreme poverty.

Nowhere in the document did Francis speak explicitly of homosexuality or same-sex marriage. However, he said the church should not give in to “moral relativism,” and cited with approval a document written by the bishops of the United States on ministering to people with “homosexual inclination.” The pope said the American bishops are right that the church must insist on “objective moral norms which are valid for everyone” — even when the church is perceived by supporters of gay rights as promoting prejudice and interfering with individual freedom.

Echoing his predecessors, Francis said that ordaining women to the priesthood “is not a question open to discussion.” He acknowledged that “many women share pastoral responsibilities with priests,” and said, “We need to create still broader opportunities for a more incisive female presence in the church.” But he offered no specifics on doing so.

But the document dwells at length on how priests can preach better homilies, which he said are the “touchstone” for judging how close a pastor is with his people. Francis said that both clergy and laypeople suffer from homilies: “The laity from having to listen to them, and the clergy from having to preach them! It is sad that this is the case.”

Francis criticized those within the church who foster division to the point of “veritable witch hunts.” In recent years, some bishops in the United States and Europe have advocated denying the eucharist, or holy communion, to Catholic politicians who support abortion rights or same-sex marriage. Francis did not take up this issue directly, but he advocated open doors.

“Everyone can be part of the community, nor should the doors of the sacraments be closed for simply any reason,” Francis said. “The eucharist, although it is the fullness of sacramental life, is not a prize for the perfect but a powerful medicine and nourishment for the weak.”