In a Vatican document released on Tuesday, it is suggested that Roman Catholic bishops engage in discussions on making the Church more inclusive towards LGBTQ+ individuals and divorcees.
The document also emphasizes the importance of considering ways to grant women greater decision-making authority and explore the possibility of ordaining them as deacons.
Additionally, the 50-page working document proposes deliberations on the prospect of allowing married men to become priests in remote regions, a topic that had been temporarily put on hold by Pope Francis after discussions during a similar meeting in 2019.
While the Church maintains its teaching that same-sex attraction is not a sin but considers homosexual acts to be sinful, it acknowledges the presence of polygamy in certain parts of Africa, where the practice is quietly tolerated for converts who already have multiple wives.
Pope Francis made a reform last year to allow baptized lay Catholics, including women, the opportunity to lead various Vatican departments within the central administration of the Holy See, as outlined in a new constitution.
Furthermore, the Pope appointed three women to a committee that was previously exclusively composed of men. This committee plays a crucial role in advising the Pope in the selection process of bishops worldwide.
According to the document, the majority of local responses have expressed a strong desire for the exploration of the possibility of women assuming the role of deacons within the Church.
Deacons, similar to priests, are ordained ministers; however, the current practice restricts the role to men. Deacons are permitted to preach, baptize, officiate wedding and funeral ceremonies, and oversee a parish with the bishop’s permission, but they are not authorized to celebrate Mass.
