A month-long summit at the Vatican has concluded with a call for women to assume greater leadership roles within the Catholic Church. However, it did not address the hopes of some progressives who sought the ordination of women as priests.
This synod marked the culmination of a four-year consultation process designed to gather the perspectives of Catholics worldwide. Pope Francis expanded the usual bishops’ conference to include nearly 60 women among the 368 voting delegates.
All members voted on 151 proposals, with each one passing by the required two-thirds majority. Notably, the proposal advocating for women in leadership roles received the highest number of dissenting votes, reflecting resistance within a traditionally male clergy.
While advocates had hoped for a move toward allowing women to serve as deacons—ordained ministers who can officiate certain sacraments but not mass—the final document affirmed that “there is no reason or impediment that should prevent women from carrying out leadership roles in the Church.”
Currently, only men can become deacons in the Catholic Church.
Reform groups also sought clearer pathways for welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals, but the final document only briefly mentioned those who feel “excluded or judged” due to their “marital status, identity, or sexuality.” Reverend James Martin, a Jesuit priest engaged with the LGBTQ+ community and a synod member, expressed that the absence of a specific mention of LGBTQ+ issues was “not a surprise.”
While progressives may feel let down, some conservative voices have criticized the summit from the outset. Pope Francis, who is 87, has referred to the final text as a “gift” to the 1.4 billion Catholics globally, yet traditionalists were concerned about opening this consultation to laypeople, questioning the value of non-clerical perspectives.
This initiative aligns with Pope Francis’s belief that grassroots Catholics should have a greater role in shaping the Church’s future, rather than solely relying on cardinals and bishops. Supporters of the process view the outreach and discussions, despite differing opinions, as a significant achievement.
Fr. Timothy Radcliffe, a theologian and chief spiritual advisor for the summit, remarked on the importance of building friendships across differing views, especially regarding welcoming LGBTQ+ individuals. He emphasized that such relationships deepen one’s faith, despite disagreements.
However, it remains uncertain how the outcomes of this summit will translate into concrete actions. Many observers note a lack of bold proposals amid a tendency for compromise and avoidance of controversy. As a result, the summit, intended to foster unity, may leave many feeling as marginalized as before.
