Pope's Synod Releases First Document Amid Ongoing Debate on Role of Women in Church

Synod's first document outlines general updates amid strong calls for greater roles for women; key disagreements remain as critics insist on retaining 2,000-year-old church traditions barring women from the priesthood.

The first document from the Pope's Synod reveals divisions remain over the role of women in the church, despite a near-universal call from Catholics for greater female involvement and decision-making roles.
For the first time, the 364-member assembly included 54 women voting alongside the bishops, reflecting a small step towards inclusivity.
The document, approved 336-12, pledges the church to be committed to listening to everyone, focusing on the poor, marginalized, and victims of clerical abuse, with concrete steps taken to prevent future abuse.
A 40-page synthesis report due to be voted on will detail points of agreement, open questions and future work direction, with delegates returning in October next year to continue the debates.
Ordination of women priests is not under consideration, but the role of female deacons, a ministry existed in the early church, has been officially addressed during the meeting.