The final session of the Synod of Bishops on Synodality has opened with a “No” regarding the possibility of women deacons presently, though it appeared to suggest that the issue may still be looked into in the longer term, while also emphasising that women do indeed have an important role to play in the Church.
The study group responsible for evaluating the female diaconate has said that, while still exploring other forms of women’s involvement in the Church, they will not become deacons.
Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández, prefect of the Vatican’s Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, made the announcement during the synod’s afternoon session on 2 October, the first official working day of the synod running 2-27 October.
