women deacons

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Pope Francis and delegates at the Synod on Synodality at the conclusion of the assembly on Oct. 28, 2023.

What does the Synod on Synodality document say about ‘controversial’ issues?

Oct 28, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Synod on Synodality’s final document includes a discussion of issues it says are still “controversial” inside the Church. Read more

Pope Francis waves to pilgrims in St. Peter's Square during his Angelus address on Oct. 15, 2023.

Pope Francis on women deacons: ‘Holy orders is reserved for men’

Oct 25, 2023

By Hannah Brockhaus

Pope Francis reaffirmed the impossibility of women becoming priests, or even modern Church deacons, in an interview for a book... Read more

A 2019 meeting in the Vatican's New Synod Hall.

Pope Francis establishes new commission to study women deacons

Apr 8, 2020

By Hannah Brockhaus

The Vatican announced Wednesday that Pope Francis has created a new commission to study the question of a female diaconate... Read more

A 2019 meeting in the Vatican's New Synod Hall.

Amazon synod discussion groups support married priests, female deacons

Oct 18, 2019

By Courtney Mares

At least four of the 12 language groups at the Amazon synod overtly propose the ordination of married men to... Read more

Bishop Dom Adriano Ciocca Vasino of São Félix, Brazil.

Bishop in Brazil says he will ordain women to diaconate if pope permits it

Oct 12, 2019

By Hannah Brockhaus

A bishop participating in the Vatican’s Amazon Synod said Saturday he would ordain women in his communities as deacons if... Read more

Cardinal Sean O'Malley of Boston ordains deacons in St. Peter's Basilica, Sept. 29, 2016.

Two-thirds of US bishops do not believe women should be ordained deacons

Jan 24, 2019

A survey of bishops in the US released this week found that among respondents, 41 percent believe it theoretically possible... Read more

Survey: Religious superiors support possibility of women deacons

Aug 4, 2018

A survey of both male and female religious superiors in the U.S. found that most believe that the Church can... Read more

Cardinal Luis Francisco Ladaria.

Will the Amazon synod open the door to women deacons?

Jul 2, 2018

By Elise Harris

While a veteran Vatican journalist has suggested that the 2019 Synod of Bishops from the Amazonian basin might open the... Read more