During the recent meeting of "Group 5" within the Synod, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernandez, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, addressed the question of women's ministries in the Church. This topic was extensively debated, with the aim of clarifying the role of women without altering the sacred order. While the decision on the female diaconate is not yet "ripe," the Cardinal was careful to clarify that an in-depth study remains open on this question, reaffirming the importance of women's contribution to ecclesial life.
On October 24, Cardinal Fernandez led a dialogue session with over one hundred Synod participants, including members, invited guests, and experts. This meeting, marked by a fraternally open atmosphere, was held under the direction of Paolo Ruffini, Prefect of the Dicastery for Communication, who helped moderate the exchanges. At the conclusion of this meeting, it was decided to make the full audio recording public, a rare testimony of transparency in synodal discussions.
The discussion allowed for an exploration of how the Dicastery, under the supervision of Bishop Armando Matteo, Secretary of the Doctrinal Section, strives to enhance the role of women in the Church. The advisory commission includes not only cardinals and bishops of the Dicastery, but also a wide range of consultants for varied feedback, thus reflecting experiences from around the world.
Towards a Valued Female Role Distinct from Ordination
In his exchanges, Cardinal Fernandez emphasized that the true quest of "Group 5" is not specifically the introduction of the female diaconate, but rather the enhancement of women in the Church. The Cardinal noted that while some women wish to have more responsibilities, few of them desire to access the diaconate, preferring a recognition of their gifts and skills rather than a "clericalization."
The Dicastery therefore intends to deepen this theme by distinguishing sacred order from the exercise of authority, which could allow laypeople, and women in particular, to be entrusted with roles without the question of ordination. In this sense, deepening the "differences between sacred order and power" appears essential so that specific missions can be entrusted to women, thus fostering a path of consensus.
The Female Diaconate: A Subject in Continuity
On the specific question of the female diaconate, Cardinal Fernandez clarified that the work was not finished. The commission led by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi will continue to analyze the subject by gathering proposals from Synod members and international experts. The Prefect recalled the prudent position of Pope Francis, who considers the female diaconate a question still requiring reflection and historical studies.
Some research indeed suggests that women may have exercised a form of authority in the early centuries, although the exact nature of their role (deaconesses or benefactors) is debated. This analysis will help clarify whether these historical functions were truly a diaconate or whether they were a blessing without ordination.
In conclusion, Cardinal Fernandez insisted on the importance of maintaining an openness to the Holy Spirit, continuing a path of discernment and dialogue. He hopes that the Church will advance in a direction where the dignity and talents of women can be fully recognized, without necessarily linking their contribution to an ordination. This approach aims to distinguish what pertains to sacred order from what can be exercised by laypeople, men or women, and is part of a desire for progressive deepening.