What happened?
Pope Francis has disappointed campaigners for women deacons, saying that the commission he appointed to study the subject was inconclusive.
Speaking on the papal flight from North Macedonia, Francis said there was “some agreement” among members of the commission, but not enough to reach a final conclusion.
Why was it under-reported?
Although the Pope’s comments seemed to draw a line under the question – he told the leaders of women’s religious orders a few days later that “We cannot go beyond revelation and dogmatic expressions” – Francis’s words were not entirely conclusive. He said more “study” is needed.
