The global Catholic Church remains divided on the issue of allowing women to serve as deacons, according to a Vatican document released on Tuesday. This comes just weeks after Pope Francis explicitly ruled out any changes on the matter.
The debate over women’s roles within the Church is set to be a key topic at the upcoming synod of bishops. While a first, inconclusive session took place last year, the Vatican has now published a working document to guide discussions for the second and final session scheduled for October.
“While some local Churches call for women to be admitted to the diaconal ministry, others reiterate their opposition,” the document stated. Despite this ongoing debate, it confirmed that the inclusion of women deacons will not be on the synod’s official agenda, though it encouraged continued theological reflection on the issue.
Currently, deacons in the Catholic Church are ordained ministers who must be men. Unlike priests, deacons cannot celebrate Mass, but they are authorized to preach, teach, baptize, conduct wedding and funeral services, and even manage parishes. Historically, women served as deacons in early Christianity, but the specifics of their roles remain unclear.
The Vatican document emphasized the need to “give fuller recognition” to women in the Church, highlighting that “by virtue of Baptism, they enjoy full equality.” This document, known as “Instrumentum laboris,” was formulated after consultations with national bishops’ conferences and various Catholic institutions and associations worldwide.
The text also touched on the Church’s inclusivity, though it did not specifically reference LGBT individuals. It acknowledged the need for greater inclusion of those who feel marginalized or excluded from the ecclesial community.
In an interview with CBS’ “60 Minutes” recorded in April and aired in May, Pope Francis firmly stated “no” when asked if he would consider allowing women to become deacons. However, he acknowledged that women often perform roles similar to those of deacons, without holding the formal title. “Women are of great service as women, not as ministers,” he remarked.
