In brief
As Cardinal Prevost transitions to Pope Leo XIV, debates about the inclusion of women in church leadership continue, reflecting both continuity and change from previous papacy.
In 2023, Cardinal Robert Francis Prevost attended a global bishops' assembly convened by Pope Francis, where the topic of allowing women to become deacons was discussed. Cardinal Prevost expressed reservations about this move. He argued that “clericalizing women” wouldn’t necessarily address the church’s challenges and might even lead to unforeseen issues. “It isn’t as simple as saying that, ‘You know, at this stage we’re going to change the tradition of the Church after 2,000 years on any one of those points,’” he noted, illustrating the deep-rooted traditions within the Catholic Church.As he now takes on the role of Pope Leo XIV, questions surrounding women's participation in the church are expected to surface more frequently. Throughout his tenure as a Vatican administrator and bishop in Latin America, Leo XIV has shown support for initiatives launched by Pope Francis, aimed at expanding women's roles—though he limits this support to certain aspects.During his time leading the Vatican office responsible for the selection and oversight of bishops, Cardinal Prevost endorsed Pope Francis' campaign to enhance women's leadership within the church, acknowledging their significant contributions. In 2023, he remarked on the “noticeable difference” that women's involvement made in the office he oversaw.Witnesses of his leadership in Chiclayo, Peru, recall how he fostered an environment for women in lay ministries and social organizations. Before his arrival, the diocese was predominantly led by conservative bishops associated with Opus Dei. Local leaders, such as Rev. Pedro Vásquez, noted Bishop Prevost's gradual yet impactful changes for women and girls in the community. Educator Yolanda Díaz also highlighted advancements, stating, “Little by little the church has allowed us some involvement,” showcasing the emerging roles of women in social pastoral work.As Pope Leo XIV navigates the complexities of tradition and modernity, the Catholic faithful will watch closely how he addresses gender roles within the church moving forward. Elisabetta Povoledo contributed to this reporting. Patricia Mazzei leads Miami-based coverage of Florida and Puerto Rico for The Times.
