What has changed in canon law for women?
Pope Francis is pushing the Church to be more open to women, but slowly and carefully
Pope Francis has sought more roles for women in decision-making and leadership positions in the Church. (Photo: Good Shepherd s)
Most Catholics, who grew up seeing women at the altar reading from the Bible and serving at Mass, wondered what was improved when Pope Francis changed canon law this month, purportedly to allow women to participate in such services.
Although women have been taking care of these ministries at local bishops discretion, they were barred from being instituted as lectors or acolytes because church law did not allow it. These minor orders were reserved only for men until now, touted as preparation for priestly ordination.