As the Vatican opens discussion on family life Catholics should not expect quick changes to Church rules against divorce, contraception and gay marriage.

The Vatican sent out a survey to dioceses around the world ahead of a meeting of bishops, on the theme of the family, scheduled for next October.

A leaked copy of the survey was published by the National Catholic Reporter raising speculation that the survey could lead to changes in Church rules.

But Vatican Cardinal Peter Erdo made it clear that any change would come slowly

(SOUNDBITE) (Italian) SYNOD COORDINATOR, CARDINAL PETER ERDO SAYING:

"We don't have a desire to re-open all the discussion on catholic doctrine but based on pastoral experiences we see many situations where we can try to find concrete solutions."

The survey does not signal any shift in Church doctrine toward gay marriage or birth control, but signals a change of approach say Robert Mickens of the Catholic newspaper the Tablet.