Vatican Reaffirms Stance on All-Male Clergy Despite Calls for Women Deacons

The Vatican commission voted against allowing women to serve as deacons, maintaining the Church's all-male clergy tradition. Despite the ongoing debate, the commission advised further study on the role of women in Church ministry. Advocates criticized the decision, citing historical precedent for female deacons.

A high-level Vatican commission has maintained the Catholic Church's all-male clergy tradition, voting against allowing women to serve as deacons, as reported in a recent document presented to Pope Leo. The 7-1 vote concluded that historical and theological factors currently prevent women from assuming the deacon role, though it recommended further exploration of the matter.

The role of deacons, who can perform baptisms and preside over funerals but cannot lead Mass, has been a point of contention in the 1.4 billion-member Church for the last ten years. The conversation gained momentum when late Pope Francis opened the debate in 2016. Despite some members advocating for female deacons, the new report has chosen a path of caution, noting its strong stance but withholding a final judgment.

Advocacy groups have criticized the commission's report for presenting a negative narrative about women deacons, without inclusive dialogue. Scholars have pointed out past precedents of women serving as deacons in early Christianity, challenging the current decision. They call for expanded ministry opportunities for women, as broader access to religious roles remains a contentious topic within the Church.

(With inputs from agencies.)