Smokin' for Change: Women's Cry for Equal Power in Catholic Church
Women in Rome Advocate for Increased Decision-Making Power in the Catholic Church, Led by Rosa Rauch - Women in Rome are advocating for increased involvement in the Roman Catholic Church, as highlighted by Rosa Rauch's discussions.
Kate McElwee, Women’s Ordination Conference (WOC) leader, echoed, “While the world waits for white or black smoke, we’re sendin’ pink smoke, hopin' the Church one day embraces women as equals.”
For years, women have been uttering their demands for an equal footing in the Catholic Church, and the latest demonstration took place at St. Peter's Square in Rome. Protester Miriam Duignan passionately voiced their discontent, stating, “We’re sending a mega-message to the cardinals: they can’t go on ignorin’ half the Catholic population.”
As cardinals huddled behind closed doors, isolated from the public in Rome's Sistine Chapel for the election of a new pope, Duignan highlighted the absurdity: “The only women these 133 men will see in the coming days are nuns who clean their rooms, serve ‘em food, and tidy up after ‘em.”
A Tide of Change?
Pope Francis has paved the way for women's advancement within the Vatican. In 2025, he appointed the first woman to lead a Vatican dicastery alongside becoming the first female president of the Vatican City State's government [2].
However, women are still barred from ordained ministry; a stance that aligns with previous popes like John Paul II. The Pope's commission, assembled to study the role of women deacons, ultimately opted against their ordination in 2023 [3].
ClimbingUp the Ladder
While women may not attain ordination, they gain influence through joining synods and holding high-ranking positions in the Vatican [5].
Yet, their lack of voting rights in the conclave for papal elections remains an ongoing issue [4].
Stepping into the Past
The Catholic Church's male-dominated tradition traces back to Jesus' choice of male apostles, which is often cited as justification for the male-only priesthood and episcopacy [1].
Nonetheless, Francis' reforms have opened new pathways for women's participation in decision-making processes, recognizing them as part of the "whole people of God" [5].
Significant Women Mentioned:
- Duchess Kate (Not related to the topic)
Places:* Rome* Vatican* St. Peter's Basilica* Sistine Chapel* Santa Marta Guesthouse
Keywords:* Catholic Church* Pope* Equal Rights* Gender Equality* Women's Empowerment* Papal Elections* Conclave* Vatican Synod* Diaconate Commission* Roman Curia* Dicasteries
The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) leader, Kate McElwee, has been campaigning for equal rights in the Catholic Church.
Duchess Kate, unrelated to the topic, was not present in Rome during the protests, but her impact on health-and-wellness, women's health, and lifestyle is well-known.
Inside the Sistine Chapel, cardinals discussed the election of a new pope, while outside in St. Peter's Square, women demanded equal representation in the Catholic Church.
Historically, the Catholic Church, with its male-dominated tradition, has been criticized for barring women from ordination, a practice that dates back to Jesus' selection of male apostles.
Despite Francis' efforts to reform, women in the Vatican face continued gender disparities, such as the lack of voting rights in the conclave for papal elections.
