Leo XIV will strengthen the role of women in the Church; priestly ordination is not an issue

Nathalie Becquart, theologian and undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, believes that Pope Leo XIV will further strengthen the position of women in the Catholic Church, reports Katholisch.de.

Although she does not expect the question of women's ordination to be opened up, she does expect the new pope to continue appointing women to positions of responsibility in the Roman Curia.

Becquart praised Leo's work to date – both as bishop in Peru and as prefect of the Dicastery for Bishops, he has promoted the involvement of women in church life. She added that Leo, like Francis, sees synodality as the way forward and is able to work effectively with women.

Becquart herself was the first woman with voting rights at the Synod of Bishops in 2021, where 54 other women have since joined. She believes that leadership independent of ordination will continue to grow in importance.

(mja)