Pope Francis added a reference to the office's responsibility for promoting a deeper reflection on the role of women in the church and society to the statutes of the Dicastery for Laity, the Family and Life.
Pope Francis appointed three women as consultors to the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith. It marks the first time women and laypersons were named as active contributors — not support staff.
Feminist scholars and others at an April 16 panel discussion spoke on Francis' attitude toward women. The consensus: Despite some positive developments in his papacy, Francis' issues with women continue to disappoint.
Grace on the Margins: Francis' new apostolic exhortation demonstrates that his limited understanding of women and the restrictions he places on women's vocations in the world and the church have serious spiritual ramifications.
