THE Vatican announced on Wednesday that women are allowed to speak up at the next meeting of Bishops.
Every year, the Pope invites Catholic bishops to Rome from all over the world, Dagen reports. During these meetings, they discuss, for example, the need for modernisation of the Church.
After the meeting, the bishops vote on several proposals. The results of the votes are presented to the Pope, who documents the results in a document. Until now, only five male representatives have been allowed to vote. However, from now on, five women are allowed to join the voting as well, Standard reports.
Lay people
In addition, the Pope has ordered to increase the number of lay people who are allowed to participate in the next Synod of Bishops, New York Times reports. Half of the number of these people should be women, Pope Francis added.
At the same time, bishops will be the largest participating groups.
