Petrocchi Commission Report: Summary on Female Diaconate
The second commission, led by Cardinal Giuseppe Petrocchi, which studied the possibility of ordaining women as deacons, has released its findings.
The core conclusion is that admitting women to the diaconate as a degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders is currently ruled out, but this is not a definitive judgment like that concerning priestly ordination. (Image a female deacon being commissioned in the Orthodox Church - source: https://orthodoxdeaconess.org/the-deaconess/)
đ Key Findings & Conclusion
The "status quaestionis" (state of the question) in historical and theological research "rules out the possibility of moving in the direction of admitting women to the diaconate understood as a degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders."
This assessment is based on Sacred Scripture, Tradition, and the Church’s Magisterium.
Crucially, the assessment "does not at present allow for a definitive judgment to be formulated, as is the case with priestly ordination."
This conclusion was approved by a vote of seven to one in the second working session (July 2022).
đ Background & Theological Discussion
Historical Recognition: The commission determined that the Church has, at various times and places, recognized the title of "deacon/deaconess" for women, but with no univocal meaning (2021).
Theological Compatibility: The theological discussion concluded that a systematic study of the diaconate within the theology of Holy Orders raises questions about its compatibility with Catholic doctrine on ordained ministry.
Support for New Ministries: The commission unanimously supported establishing new ministries to foster "synergy between men and women."
đ€ Arguments For and Against
The report summarized the dialectic between theological orientations:
| Arguments For Admitting Women to the Diaconate | Arguments Against Admitting Women to the Diaconate |
| Biblical/Social Equality: Contradicts the equal status of male and female as the image of God (Genesis), and the unity in Christ (Galatians 3:28). | Sacramental Identity: The masculinity of Christ and therefore those who receive Holy Orders is integral to sacramental identity and the nuptial meaning of salvation. |
| Ministerial Focus: Deacons are ordained for ministry, not the priesthood, potentially opening the way for female deacons. | Unity of Holy Orders: Insists on the unity of the sacrament of Holy Orders (comprising three degrees), suggesting that admitting women to the first degree would make exclusion from the other two inexplicable. |
✨ Recommendations for the Future
The Commission voted nine to one to expand women’s access to ministries instituted for the service of the community.
They hope this expansion will provide "adequate ecclesial recognition of the diakonia of the baptized, particularly of women," which would be a prophetic sign against gender discrimination.
Cardinal Petrocchi stressed the need for further study focused on the diaconate in itself—its sacramental identity and ecclesial mission—to clarify its currently undefined structural and pastoral aspects.
Sources: https://www.vaticannews.va/en/vatican-city/news/2025-12/petrocchi-commission-female-diaconate-no-judgment-not-definitive.html
https://press.vatican.va/content/salastampa/it/bollettino/pubblico/2025/12/04/0950/01725.html
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