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One thing we learned in October is that a synod of bishops, typically a staid talking shop that verges on the boring, can turn into to a robust round of discussions when the synod fathers follow Pope Francis’ instructions to "speak with parrhesia” -- meaning to speak candidly or boldly, and without fear -- “and listen with humility."
Perhaps the Vatican will experience another round of parrhesia early next year when Vatican’s Pontifical Council for Culture is to convene a meeting on the role of women in the Catholic Church today. The council will host a plenary assembly, titled “Women's Cultures: Equality and Difference,” in February for members and consulters.
Among the consulters is a Spanish priest, Fr. Pablo d’Ors, appointed by Pope Frances in July.
D’Ors is already speaking with parrhesia according to this report in Irish Times: “Vatican consultant ‘absolutely’ in favour of women priests.”
D’Ors told the Italian daily La Repubblica: “Am I in favor [of the ordination of women]? Absolutely, and I am not the only one. The reasoning which claims that women cannot become priests because Jesus was a man and because he chose only men [as his apostles] is very weak. That is a cultural consideration not a metaphysical one.”
Saying “the time is now ripe to travel down other roads”, d’Ors also said this “change is necessary” because to deny women the priesthood represents “an unacceptable discrimination.”
