International Anger at world synod over role of women

Before the start of last week's World Synod of the Catholic Church in Rome, there was an open dispute on the sidelines of discussions about the future role of women. According to participants, there were protests at a meeting of more than 100 members of the synod because the powerful Vatican authority for the doctrine of the faith had only sent two subordinate representatives, according to participants. The participation of women, including the ordination of female priests, has been one of the major controversial issues in the Catholic Church for years.

At the decision of Pope Francis, the topic was outsourced to a working group before the start of the World Synod. It had actually been hoped that the meeting would now be informed about the status of the discussions in the working group. However, according to these statements, the two Vatican representatives did not even want to provide information about who was a member of the working group - allegedly on the Pope's instructions. There was great indignation as a result, it was said.

Head of religious authority wants to come to new meeting

The head of the religious authority, the Argentinian cardinal and confidant of the Pope, Victor Fernandez, announced that he would come to a new meeting on Thursday. Opening up to women - for example by ordaining them as priests or deacons - is highly controversial within the Church with its 1.4 billion faithful. Last year, this was also a topic at the synod. However, Francis has now outsourced controversial points, such as celibacy and the blessing of homosexual couples.

More than 360 bishops, priests, religious and lay people from all over the world are taking part in the four-week World Synod, which ends next Saturday. More than 50 women with voting rights are also taking part. A final document is to be adopted at the end. However, only the Pope has the final say on what should be adopted.

SDA