Pope Francis has decided to give women the right to vote in the upcoming meeting of bishops, an unprecedented move that reflects his hope to give women and the laity greater decision-making responsibility in the life of the Catholic Church, it was reported on Wednesday. Associated Press.
The pontiff approved amendments to the rules governing the Synod of Bishops, the Vatican body that periodically convenes bishops from around the world after decades of women’s demands for the right to vote.
At the end of the meetings, the bishops vote on specific proposals and present them to the Pope, who draws up a document based on their views. Until now, the only people who could vote were men.
According to the same source, the Vatican has published amendments, approved by the Pope, which emphasize the view that lay believers should play a larger role in church affairs, which has long been reserved for clerics, bishops and cardinals.
“This is an important change, but it is not a revolution,” said Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, one of the main organizers of the Synod.
The next Synod of Bishops will take place from 4 to 29 October.