The process of reforming the Catholic Church, which lasted a year, is coming to an end with a result that is likely to disappoint Catholics who advocate for greater equality for women. On Friday, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández stated that Pope Francis believes the issue of allowing the ordination of women as deacons in the church is "not mature".
Fernández remarked that while working with women in previous pastoral roles, most of them did not ask for or desire the diaconate, as it could complicate their lay work. He refrained from clearly defining what factors would determine the "maturity" to grant more significant roles to women.
Although women participated in the synodal process, the group responsible for guiding discussions about the role of women is led by the Roman curia, which operates outside of the synod. Fernández pointed out that ordained men would decide when it would be appropriate and what baptismal equality would mean.
Women are prohibited from exercising priesthood and higher ministerial roles in the Church, despite doing the majority of the work in Catholic institutions and in transmitting the faith. In an address to the synod, Fernández indicated that a working group will continue to analyze the role of women in the church, but it will not focus on the diaconate.
Kate McElwee, executive director of the Conference for the Ordination of Women, expressed her frustration with the situation, stating that it is necessary to continue pushing for change. The synodal process, which generated expectations for transformation, especially for women in the Church, concludes without achieving significant advancements regarding their role and participation.
