Vatican Synod Calls for Women's Leadership, Leaves Deacon Debate Open

The month-long summit concluded with a push for increased female roles but did not endorse female ordination as deacons.

Pope Francis has accepted the synod's recommendations without issuing a separate teaching document, marking a shift in the Church's approach to governance.
The synod emphasized that there should be no barriers to women assuming leadership roles, yet the ordination of women as deacons remains unresolved.
The assembly's final document, passed with a two-thirds majority, also called for greater involvement of laypeople in Church decisions, including the selection of bishops.
Despite discussions, the synod did not address the inclusion of LGBTQ members, reflecting ongoing divisions within the Church on this issue.
The synod process, which included voting rights for women for the first time, highlighted both progress and persistent resistance to change within the Catholic hierarchy.