A Vatican commission has ruled against the ordination of women as deacons, upholding the Catholic Church’s tradition of an all-male clergy. This decision, made by a high-level panel in a vote of 7-1, was outlined in a report delivered to Pope Leo. The commission concluded that historical and theological research “excludes the possibility” of women serving in this role at present, although it encouraged further study of the issue.
The discussions surrounding women deacons have been a contentious topic within the global Church, which consists of approximately 1.4 billion members. Deacons perform various functions such as baptising individuals, witnessing marriages, and presiding over funerals. In some regions, they also lead parishes in the absence of a priest, although only a priest can celebrate Mass. Traditionally viewed as a pathway to the priesthood, the role of deacon was redefined in the 1960s to include married men, yet women have long sought inclusion in this ministry.
The commission, which included both men and women scholars, was chaired by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi from the Vatican’s doctrinal office. In their report, released on September 18, 2023, the panel emphasized that while their assessment against ordaining women as deacons was strong, it did not permit a definitive conclusion at this time.
The conversation around women deacons was initiated by the late Pope Francis, who established two commissions in response to a request from an umbrella group representing Catholic sisters and nuns in 2016. These commissions deliberated in secrecy, and the release of this report marks the first public disclosure of their findings.
Pope Leo, who was elected in May 2023, has not yet publicly addressed the issue of women deacons. The commission’s findings reflect a broader struggle within the Church regarding gender roles and the inclusion of women in ecclesiastical responsibilities. As discussions continue, many advocates maintain that women are being called to serve in this capacity, viewing the role of deacon as one of vital service to the Church community.
As the Vatican navigates these complex discussions, the call for further study could reopen the dialogue on the potential for women to serve in greater capacities within the Catholic Church.
