The Vatican this week ended its controversial more-than-five-year investigation of US nuns. In a report released Tuesday (December 16), church officials largely praised the work of American sisters, especially for their service to the poor. It was a very different tone from previous statements which had provoked strong debate—and much anger—for raising some doctrinal concerns about the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the largest umbrella group of US nuns. The final report did not contain any restrictions or punishments, but instead urged the sisters to discern for themselves how to best deal with their challenges.