The Vatican has unexpectedly ended its nearly seven-year-long investigation and oversight of US nuns. On Thursday (April 16), Pope Francis met with representatives of the Leadership Conference of Women Religious, the largest umbrella group of American sisters. His doctrinal office announced the church’s goals had been accomplished. The oversight process was started under Pope Benedict after some church officials accused the nuns of promoting views that were incompatible with Catholic teachings. That provoked strong debate and anger around the world. This week, the Vatican said it is now confident that the mission of the nuns is “rooted in the tradition of the church.”