Overview
- The Petrocchi-led commission says the current state of research rules out admitting women to the sacramental diaconate at this time, while stopping short of a definitive judgment.
- Conclusions were formally delivered to Pope Leo XIV on Sept. 18, and he ordered the public release of the synthesis on Thursday.
- Members split 5–5 on a thesis about Christ’s masculinity as integral to sacramental identity, reflecting two irreconcilable theological schools.
- The report urges additional research and proposes developing new non‑ordained ministries to formally recognize women’s service.
- The commission recorded only 22 submissions from few countries, and critics including Phyllis Zagano say the document lacks theological argumentation.