VATICAN CITY (LifeSiteNews) — Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernández has given an update on the Vatican’s latest study of female deacons, ruling out any immediate changes but also leaving the door open for future announcements.
Addressing the 350 participants of the Synod on Synodality assembly October 2, Fernández – prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith – gave an update on the work of the synod study group which he is leading.
Of the 10 study groups established by Pope Francis in the spring to examine key themes from the synod so far, Fernández’s is examining “theological and canonistic questions around specific ministerial forms” including the female diaconate – as requested at the October 2023 synod session.
The Catholic Church infallibly teaches that it is impossible to ordain women to sacred orders, including the diaconate.
