Author: katie

Pink Smoke roundup – May 7, 2025

Associated Press: ‘Ahead of a men-only conclave, activists will release pink smoke near the Vatican DNA India: Amid Papal conclave, ‘pink smoke’ signals in Rome, how does it affect Pope’s election? France 24: Habemus protestatio: Pink smoke over Rome denounces male-dominated Church The Guardian: Black smoke signals Vatican conclave has failed to elect new pope…
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Progress for Women in the Catholic Church Under Pope Francis

Below is a collection of statements and changes to church policies and practices that the Catholic Church experienced under Pope Francis’ leadership.  While the journey toward full inclusion of women in all areas of the life and ministry of the church remains long, these steps show that we are not standing still.  Many of these…
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CBC: Interview on “As It Happens”

Executive Director Kate McElwee is interviewed for the CBC radio show “As It Happens,” about the historic appointment of the first woman to head a Vatican dicastery, Sr. Simona Brambilla. Listen to the interview here (at approximately 38:15).

NY Times: Pope Names Nun to Head a Vatican Department, a First for a Woman

By Elisabetta Povoledo Pope Francis on Monday appointed Sister Simona Brambilla to head the Vatican office that oversees religious orders for both men and women — including more than a quarter of the world’s priests — making her the first woman to reach the No. 1 position in an office in the Holy See. The choice reflects…
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The Guardian UK: Catholic women urged to strike over ‘betrayal’ on ordination

Joanna Moorhead Catholic women whose hopes of ordination were dashed at a recent worldwide synod in Rome are being urged to go on strike from church duties in protest at inertia on a reform that many now see as not only just but also inevitable. Catholic Women Strike: Global Witness for Equality was launched this month…
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WOC at 49: An Audacious Sign—Anniversary videos and recap

Grace, gratitude, grief, and holy grit — all were present as we marked our 49th anniversary on November 14 and 17, 2024, lifting up the theme of audacity in faith.  Thanks to theologians Natalia Imperatori-Lee and Craig A. Ford, Jr for lifting up models of audacity in the lives of ordinary people who find hope and wholeness…
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CNN: The Pope has shown openness to greater roles for women – but there’s pressure for him to go further

CNN — A sense of urgency has been growing after the role of women emerged as a dominant theme when Catholics from across the globe were canvassed for their views ahead of a meeting of bishops and lay people – a synod – which formally concluded Sunday. The final Synod assembly document, approved by Pope Francis, said…
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Associated Press: Pope Francis’ Catholic church reform process ends without giving more equity to women

VATICAN CITY — Pope Francis’ yearslong process to reform the Catholic Church closed Saturday with recommendations that fell short of giving women more equity as hoped, but reflected the pope’s aims for a church that at least listens more to its followers. … …“I think the final document will be received with much disappointment and frustration by…
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NY Times: Vatican Punts Question of Female Deacons at Major Meeting

A monthlong meeting of Catholic bishops and lay people at the Vatican ended on Saturday with a call for women to be given more leadership roles in the church. But on the question of whether women could be ordained as deacons, the church said the possibility “remains open” and required further meditation… …“I think it…
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Le Figaro: Au synode, tensions et faux-fuyants sur la place des femmes dans l’Église

Read Le Figaro’s coverage of women at the synod, featuring comments from Executive Director Kate McElwee, in French on their website.