Recall, earlier we reported that the Vatican continues to expand the “Overton window” in the issue of the Roman Catholic Church’s attitude to LGBT. After the recent scandal with the declaration “Fiducia supplicans”, which in the RCC allowed the blessing of same-sex couples, the “Holy See” approved a document allowing open homosexuals to become clergy. The new document from the Italian Bishops’ Conference states that open homosexuality is no longer a barrier to candidates for the priesthood.
RCC to consider ordination of women to the diaconate
Pope Francis has approved a three-year plan to reform the Roman Catholic Church. The document will address a number of issues related to the liberalization of church-society relations. In particular, the Vatican plans to resolve the discussion on the possibility of women’s acceptance of the diaconate, which began in 2016. This was reported by CNN.
It is reported that the proposed reforms include enhancing the role of women in the Catholic Church, including their ordination as deacons, and more active involvement of the laity in governance and decision-making. The reforms were considered within the framework of the Synod of Bishops, which is the main vehicle through which the Pope carries out his pastoral program. In recent years, he has sought to involve Catholics from around the world in the renewal process.
In October 2023 and 2024, two Vatican assemblies, attended for the first time by women, met for almost a month of deliberations and discussions, after which the Pope approved a final document. This document left open the question of ordaining women as deacons, who perform all the functions of a priest, celebrating Mass and hearing confessions. He also insisted that women be given all the opportunities provided by church law to serve in leadership roles.
Francis’ latest decision extends this process for another three years, culminating in an “ecclesial assembly” in the Vatican in October 2028. Unlike a synod of bishops, this will be a unique gathering of bishops, clergy, monks, nuns, lay people, men and women.
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