VATICAN CITY (Reuters) -Pope Francis opened a global Catholic summit on Wednesday with a warning that delegates should not seek to foist pet agendas onto the assembly, an apparent attempt to prevent discussions bogging down in divisive issues such as women's ordination.

Pope Francis on Wednesday opened a global summit of Catholic leaders, which has postponed action on divisive issues such as women's ordination until 2025, with a warning that delegates should not seek to foist pet agendas onto the assembly.

Kicking off the next phase of a closely-watched Vatican reform synod on Wednesday, Pope Francis urged delegates to focus on unity and avoid pushing personal agendas so “each person feels welcomed.” But advocates for women’s ordination in the Catholic Church say they feel anything but welcomed.

Pope Francis will open a month-long summit of global Catholic leaders on Wednesday but it is likely to defer any decision on divisive issues such as women's ordination and blessings for same-sex couples until next year.

We are only allowed to look down on a person to help them get up,’ Pope Francis told young people at the penitential ceremony.