The Catholic community reacts to Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to vote in the Synod of Bishops | The National Gazette

Pope Francis’ decision to allow women to vote in a Synod of Bishops sparked a backlash in the Catholic community.

Pope Francis changed the regulations for the regular general assembly of the Synod of Bishops, which will take place next October, by introducing some women’s quotas.

Originally, only bishops were entitled to vote. With this change, 70 “non-bishops” will be able to vote. Half of the new vacancies will be reserved for women. In addition, five nuns will join five clergy as representatives of religious orders – and they will also have the right to vote.

It has taken decades, since Paul VI established the Synod in 1965, to keep the flame of Vatican II alive. Synodality represents democracy in the Church, and the participation of the faithful through the bishops of each diocese, who advise the Pope.

but exclusion of women In the decision-making process was a reason for Criticism of the Vaticanespecially in recent Synods which have had many repercussions, such as those on the Amazon and before that on the family.

On both occasions, Pope Francis chose some observers to participate, including women, but without the opportunity to vote, to their chagrin.

The theme of the next Synod will be the search for greater participation of the faithful in the affairs of the Church. Modernism provokes a reaction from the conservative wing.

the group Mass in Latinwho advocates the return of certain Catholic traditions, He even called it a coup, and said it set a dangerous precedent for the church hierarchy. The group is of the opinion that the final document of the Synod, which should only be a consultation, can eventually become deliberative. ““The devil is in the details,” he said.

But compliments have an f. Catholic groups have identified the action as historic in the 2,000 years of the Church’s life.

Pope Francis wants to give women a greater voice at the top. It also plans to nominate women on a committee that will help the pope choose world bishops.

Francis said that women in leadership positions make the Vatican better. But this reform will be complete only when they can say Mass and consecrate the Blessed Sacrament. If it depended on Francisco’s wish, that day would come.