VATICAN CITY -- Pope Francis has opened the door for female deacons in a surprising and historic move for the Catholic Church.  The pontiff announced he would soon be establishing a commission to study the role of female deacons in the ancient Church, which could become “a possibility for tomorrow.” 

 This is the first time that the Catholic Church has opened the door of the clergy to women in this slightest, moving them closer to the Anglican Church who already accept female priests and bishops.  Deaconate is the first rung on the ladder, followed by priesthood, and they can administer some of the sacraments such as baptism and marriage.

 The proposal to establish this new study commission had just arrived from the International Union of General Superiors summit and the pope decided to accept it, saying of the role of female deacons, “Clarifying this point would be for the good of the Church.  I will do it.  I accept it.  It seems useful to me to have a commission to clarify this role well.”

 He continued, “The Church needs more women to enter into the decision-making process.  They could also run an office in the Vatican.  The Church must involve both consecrated and secular people in their consultation, but also in their decisions because they need their point of view.  This growing role of women in the Church is not feminism, but the right of all who are baptised: male and female.”

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