Pope Francis Faces Criticism Over Women's Roles

During the Synod of Bishops, advocates for women's roles in the Catholic Church expressed disappointment as Pope Francis sidelined the issue of ordaining women as clergy, delegating it to the Vatican's doctrinal office for further study. The absence of Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández at a key meeting intended for dialogue on women's ministries further frustrated synod delegates, who criticized the lack of transparency and engagement from the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith. Although Pope Francis has made some strides in promoting women within the Church, critics argue that these efforts are superficial and do not address the core issue of ordination. The synod's agenda omitted critical discussions on gender and sexuality, postponing such topics to study groups with reports due in mid-2025. Cardinal Fernández later apologized for his absence, attributing it to scheduling conflicts, but attendees labeled the meeting as a 'disgrace' and 'disaster.' As debates continue, the future of women’s ordination remains uncertain within the Church's hierarchical structure.