Pope Francis Makes History , By Allowing Women , to Vote at Bishops' Meetings .
On April 26, the Vatican published
new rules allowing women to vote
in an upcoming meeting of bishops.
NPR reports that the historic move reflects
Pope Francis' hope that women will gain more
decision-making responsibilities in the church.
The changes to longstanding norms reportedly emphasize
the pope's vision for laypeople to have a greater role
in decisions long left to clerics, bishops and cardinals.
This is a significant crack in
the stained glass ceiling,
and the result of sustained
advocacy, activism and the witness, Kate McElwee, Women's Ordination Conference, via NPR.
Under the new changes, five religious
sisters will join the Synod of Bishops as
voting representatives for religious decisions.
Under the new changes, five religious
sisters will join the Synod of Bishops as
voting representatives for religious decisions.
NPR reports that Francis will also appoint
70 non-bishop members to join the synod, and he
requested that half of those new members be women.
NPR reports that Francis will also appoint
70 non-bishop members to join the synod, and he
requested that half of those new members be women.
New members will be nominated
by regional blocs and
approved by Francis himself.
NPR reports that the next synod is scheduled for October 4 through 29 and will focus on "synodality," or making the church more reflective of the laity.
It's an important change,
it's not a revolution, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, top organizer of the synod, via NPR.
Change is normal in life and history.
Sometimes there are revolutions
in history, but revolutions have victims.
We don't want to have victims, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, top organizer of the synod, via NPR