Under pope Francis, the catholic church begins to shift on women but barriers remain. Since his election in 2013, Pope Francis has set in motion a quiet but notable transformation within the Catholic Church—one aimed at giving women a more visible and influential role in its governance. While the core doctrine of male-only ordination remains untouched, the Vatican has seen unprecedented moves to include women in leadership, breaking centuries-old precedents.
Historic Appointments Inside the Vatican
Pope Francis has made headlines by appointing women to positions of authority once deemed off-limits. In January 2025, Sister Simona Brambilla was named head of the Dicastery for Institutes of Consecrated Life and Societies of Apostolic Life—making her the first woman to lead a Vatican “ministry.” Her appointment is part of a broader effort to boost female representation within the Roman Curia, where the percentage of women has risen from 19.2% to 23.4% during Francis’s pontificate.
Earlier milestones include Barbara Jatta’s appointment in 2016 as the first female director of the Vatican Museums, and Raffaella Petrini’s 2021 promotion to secretary general of the Vatican City Governorate—effectively placing her in a vice-governor role.
A broader liturgical role for women
In 2021, the pope issued Spiritus Domini, a motu proprio that opened the instituted ministries of lector and acolyte to women—roles traditionally reserved for men. The move was hailed as a step forward in recognizing women’s contributions to Church life and liturgy.
Later that year, Francis established the lay ministry of catechist, explicitly including women. This signaled a push to strengthen their role in the Church’s evangelizing mission.
Synod on synodality: progress and frustration
Launched in 2021, the Synod on Synodality allowed women to vote in synodal assemblies for the first time in Church history—a milestone in Catholic participatory reform. Yet the enthusiasm was tempered by the unresolved debate over the female diaconate. While widely discussed, the pope has kept the issue “open,” a stance that has frustrated advocates seeking more decisive action.
Resistance and the glass ceiling
Despite the progress, deep-rooted resistance remains. Many women working in the Vatican speak of a lingering patriarchal culture and persistent condescension. Reports of a “glass ceiling” and a retrograde view of women’s roles continue to circulate, underscoring the cultural inertia that still defines much of Church bureaucracy.
To address these challenges, a group of female Vatican employees launched Donne in Vaticano (Women in the Vatican) in 2016—a support network aimed at promoting women’s voices and visibility within Church structures.
A papacy caught between reform and tradition
Francis has repeatedly denounced “machismo” in the Church, openly admitting that the institution has not listened enough to women. He has called for a deeper appreciation of their role in the People of God.
Yet he remains firm on one point: priestly ordination is for men alone. He argues this is not a product of sexism, but of theological tradition—one he shows no sign of overturning.
A pivotal era, but an unfinished journey
The Francis era has undeniably marked a turning point for women in the Church, with significant strides in governance and lay ministries. Still, structural change has its limits. Calls for deeper reform—especially around ordination—continue to grow louder.
Whether those aspirations will be met remains a question for the future.