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Vatican Commission Says ‘No’ to Women as Catholic Deacons

By Joshua McElwee, Reuters
Women participate in a protest titled “Don't kick the can” claiming for the ordination of women to priestly office ahead of the opening of the Synod of Bishops near the Vatican, in Rome, Italy, October 2, 2024. REUTERS/Remo Casilli
Dec 4, 2025
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A high-level Vatican commission voted against allowing Catholic women to serve as deacons, maintaining the global Church's practice of all-male clergy, according to a report given to Pope Leo and released on Thursday.

The commission, in a 7-1 vote, said historical research and theological investigation “excludes the possibility” of allowing women to serve as deacons at this time but recommended further study of the issue.

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Women participate in a protest titled “Don't kick the can” claiming for the ordination of women to priestly office ahead of the opening of the Synod of Bishops near the Vatican, in Rome, Italy, October 2, 2024. REUTERS/Remo Casilli