Pope commissions Dicastery to study the issue of female diaconate

Ordination of a female bishop in the Roman Catholic Church. Photo: DW

In the Vatican, Pope Francis has tasked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith with studying the issue of the female diaconate in the context of an in-depth study of ministries, in collaboration with the General Secretariat of the Synod, reports Credo.

The decision of the Vatican was announced by Cardinal Mario Greč.

"The Holy Father has entrusted the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith to study this issue, including the question of ministry. And when it comes to ministry, the issue of the female diaconate is also included. The Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith will study this topic – not only that of the diaconate – but also the topic of ministry," said Greč, adding that the in-depth study will particularly focus on "the question of the necessary participation of women in the life and leadership of the Church."

It is planned that after the study, the Holy See will publish a specific document on the issue of the female diaconate.

As reported, in 2016, Pope Francis rejected the possibility of recognizing female priesthood.

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