Pope Francis' 10-year record on women in church management, ministry and even ordination is not the fireworks of change many pray for, but there has been movement, says the executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference.
Pope Francis called on more religious orders of men and women, as well as foundations and benefactors, to get involved and help an international network of women religious in the fight against human trafficking.
The cry for women deacons is getting stronger, even while some fear a mixed-gender diaconate might serve to reinforce clericalism in the church. Many theological experts from India are not optimistic about the possibilities.
Vatican City: In speaking publicly about the disagreement among the members of the Vatican's commission on the history of women deacons in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis is seeking to broaden the conversation on the issue, Phyllis Zagano said.
Vatican City: "In the case of the diaconate, we have to see what was there at the beginning of revelation," Pope Francis said. "If there was something, let it grow, let it live. If there was not something … it doesn't work."
Pope Francis' Laudato Si' positioned the church to be a prominent voice on climate change. But despite that energy, there's still a feeling that Catholics have the potential to do more.
Vatican City: Pope Francis ended his landmark summit with 190 Catholic bishops on clergy sexual abuse Feb. 24 with a promise the church will "decisively confront" the abuse of minors, but also warned that the global institution must avoid "ideological disputes and journalistic practices" that he said exploit the scandals.
Vatican City - The two umbrella groups representing male and female religious orders are planning to present Pope Francis with a proposal to give women a larger role in future synods.
