A MAJOR VATICAN synod on the family has heard calls this week to allow women become deacons – one step below a priest.
AFP reports that Canadian bishop Paul-André Durocher told Catholic leaders at the three-week gathering that qualified women should be given higher positions to help boost their influence and involvement.
But the proposed measure falls short of demands made by church reformers, who for decades have campaigned for the full ordination of women.
Pope Francis previously indicated that he would like more opportunities to be created for female members of the church, though he has ruled out admitting women to the ranks of the clergy.
His position contrasts to the policy of the Church of England, which voted last year to allow female bishops, some two decades after it ordained its first female priests.
We’re asking: Should women be able to become Catholic priests?
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