A Roman Catholic organisation advocating for women's ordination has been
given permission to hold an official demonstration in Castel
Sant'Angelo, Rome.
Two representatives from Womens' Ordination Worldwide (WOW) met with
an official from the Vatican Secretariat of State discussing women's
ordination, according to the Tablet.
WOW has been in Rome between June 1-3 during the Vatican's Jubilee
for Priests and is holding a conference, reception and exhibition for
women in priestly ministry.
The organisation challenges the official Catholic Church position
that holds priesthood is a role solely to be exercised by men. It calls
for the Catholic hierarchy to "courageously open the door to dialogue on
women's ordination".
While Pope Francis has been lauded as progressive in many respects,
his treatment of women is his 'blind spot', Miriam Duignan, a leader of
WOW, has previously told reporters.
Despite the official ruling of the Church, women have been ordained, and subsequently excommunicated.
In the meeting with the two WOW representatives, the Vatican official
agreed to pass on a petition to the Pope calling for the
excommunications to be lifted.
According to the women he listened to "our heartfelt plea for women priests in our Church".
The Pope has previously said the topic of ordination of women is a closed door.
"I readily acknowledge that many women share pastoral
responsibilities with priests, helping to guide people, families and
groups and offering new contributions to theological reflection," the
Pope wrote in in his apostolic exhortation, Evangelii Gaudium.
"The pain of this closed door is felt deeply around the world and
perpetuates discrimination and injustices against women and girls in
society," WOW said in a statement.
"This meeting in Rome is crucial in offering support to Pope Francis
in the changes he is working towards in the Church. If the RC Church is
to remain relevant in any way, opening up all areas of the Church to
women of all nationalities is at the centre of this change."
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