Those whove worked with Pope Leo XIV are optimistic hell elevate womens roles with limits

Published: Thursday, May 15, 2025 at 5:02 pm

Pope Leo XIV: Women's Roles in the Church – Optimism with Limits

Vatican City – Following the election of Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, those who have worked closely with him express optimism about his approach to women's roles within the Catholic Church. While acknowledging his respect for women and their contributions, they also anticipate that his reforms will be implemented with limitations, particularly regarding the ordination of women.

Cardinal Prevost, during Pope Francis's pontificate, spearheaded the inclusion of women on the Vatican board that vets nominations for bishops, a significant step towards greater female involvement in church governance. Those who worked with him on the board, like Maria Lia Zervino, praise his leadership style, his ability to listen, and his respect for their opinions. They believe he will continue to promote women in leadership positions.

However, Pope Leo XIV has also made clear his stance against women's ordination to the priesthood, citing long-standing church tradition. While he acknowledges the valuable contributions of women in various church roles, including schools and hospitals, he has expressed reservations about the potential impact of ordaining women as deacons, suggesting it might create new problems. He has also stated that he does not believe that the church should change its traditions after 2,000 years.

Despite these limitations, those who have worked with him, such as Karlijn Demasure and Sister Nathalie Becquart, highlight his collaborative approach, his willingness to listen, and his commitment to involving lay people and nuns in decision-making processes. They believe he will continue to build on the reforms initiated by Pope Francis, albeit in his own style.

The issue of women's ordination remains a contentious one, with advocates like Kate McElwee calling for swift action to address the exclusion of women. Others, like Phyllis Zagano, remain hopeful, pointing to Pope Leo XIV's openness to the ongoing discussion about women deacons and his experience in Peru, where women often lead church communities.

BNN's Perspective: Pope Leo XIV's approach appears to be one of cautious progress. While he seems committed to expanding women's roles within the church, he is also mindful of tradition and the potential for unintended consequences. This balanced approach, while potentially frustrating for some, reflects a desire to navigate complex issues with prudence and respect for diverse perspectives.

Keywords: Pope Leo XIV, Cardinal Robert Prevost, women in the church, women's ordination, Vatican, Catholic Church, women deacons, church leadership, Pope Francis, Maria Lia Zervino, Karlijn Demasure, Sister Nathalie Becquart, Kate McElwee, Phyllis Zagano, church governance, Vatican board, bishops, ordination, deacons, lay people, nuns, reform, tradition.

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