During a meeting with hundreds of nuns back in May, Pope Francis surprised many both in and outside the Catholic Church by saying he’d like to consider the historical role of female deacons, or deaconesses, in the early church and whether the diaconate should be re-opened to women.
On Aug. 1, Pope Francis made good on his expressed interest by appointing a commission to study the question, reports CNN.
Ordination into the diaconate is currently limited to married men over the age of 35, but depending on what the commission finds, that could be opened up for change.
As president of the commission, Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer, S.J.
In addition to Archbishop Ladaria, the commission is composed of six women and six men from academic institutions around the world.
One of the appointees, Prof. Phyllis Zagano of Hofstra University, is an American who has written in favor of female deacons.
The position of deacon within the Catholic Church was revived following reforms in the 1960s. Deacons can preach at Mass, preside at weddings and funerals, and perform baptisms, but they cannot serve the Eucharist.
Got something to say about what you're reading? We value your feedback!