ROME – In a momentous shift, women have exercised their voting rights for the first time at the Synod of Bishops, which has commenced in the heart of Rome this Wednesday. Pope Francis, in a groundbreaking move, sanctioned amendments to the Synod’s regulations in April, paving the way for women to hold 54 of the 365 votes, marking a significant milestone in the history of the Catholic Church.
María Lía Zervino, Director of the World Women’s Observatory, hailed this development as “an extraordinary step forward for women.” She emphasized that this shift not only pertains to the events unfolding in Rome this October but also signifies a transformation in the essence of the Church itself.
Unlike traditional Synods that usually focus on a singular topic, this Synod’s agenda addresses the overarching question of how the Catholic Church can become more inclusive. Notably, laypeople are participating in the voting process for the first time, reflecting a broader spirit of inclusivity.
The Synod organizers have taken great pains to incorporate the perspectives of ordinary Catholics worldwide, spending two unprecedented years canvassing the faithful before the summit. Kathleen Gibbons Schuck of Women’s Ordination Worldwide expressed her belief that this Synod represents a significant departure from previous ones, fostering a shift from hierarchical organization to a more collaborative and generative model.
In response to this historic opening, Catholic women’s groups have organized a range of events, from prayer vigils to marches outside the Synod. Simultaneously, a consortium of 45 pro-reform organizations has launched an alternative Synod, featuring prominent speakers such as former Irish president Mary McAleese and lawyer Cherie Blair, aiming to address the perceived second-class status of women within the Church.
While women have played vital roles in various facets of the Church, they have been traditionally barred from becoming priests or accessing top leadership positions. Pope Francis has taken tentative steps to address this disparity, appointing several women to high-ranking Vatican positions. Some progressives in the Church hope that this Synod could pave the way for women to eventually become priests.
However, the Synod’s agenda, which calls for concrete measures to promote women to decision-making roles and the “radical inclusion” of LGBTQ+ Catholics and marginalized groups, has provoked concerns among conservative factions. This week, five conservative cardinals submitted questions to Pope Francis, expressing apprehensions about the Synod’s impact on Catholic doctrine.
A U.S.-based conservative Catholic women’s group also contested the decision to allow women to vote at the Synod. They asserted, “We wish to be represented only by bishops.” Over 1,000 individuals have endorsed their statement, cautioning against participants advocating “heretical doctrines” contrary to the Catholic faith.
Despite this resistance and the relatively limited number of votes allocated to women at the Synod, Gibbons Schuck remains cautiously optimistic about the prospects for substantial change within the Church. She acknowledges the immense historical context but sees hopeful signs in the incremental changes taking place.
As the Synod unfolds in Rome, the Catholic Church stands at a pivotal juncture, with the world watching eagerly to see how it navigates the winds of change and inclusivity.
