NEW YORK (AP) — The Vatican plans soon to release a long-awaited report on its review of women’s religious orders throughout the United States.

The Rev. Thomas Rosica, a Vatican spokesman, told the Detroit Free Press that a Rome news conference is planned for Dec. 16 to issue the findings.

The study began in 2008 and ended about three years later. The Vatican said the review would assess the quality of life for U.S. nuns. The number of religious sisters has dropped dramatically in recent years.

The study is separate from the contentious Vatican-ordered overhaul of the largest umbrella organization for U.S. nuns, called the Leadership Conference of Women Religious.

Rosica did not reveal any findings Wednesday, but said the report’s release will be a “hopeful and encouraging” moment for religious sisters.