Pope to grant Anglicans 'church within Church'

Catholic Church reaches out to Anglicans

Pope Benedict XVI has created a new church structure for Anglicans who wish to join to the Roman Catholic fold.

The move comes after requests to the Vatican from more conservative, traditional Anglicans, said Cardinal Joseph Levada, the Vatican's chief doctrinal official.

Many Anglicans have become disillusioned with the more open stance of their church in recent years, including its ordination of women, election of openly gay bishops and blessing of same-sex unions in the 77-million strong Anglican Communion.

Levada said Tuesday the new legal entity would allow Anglicans to join the Catholic Church while keeping their Anglican identity and liturgical traditions.