Advertisement

Minor orders

Pope Francis, April 21, 2019. Credit: Daniel Ibanez/CNA.

Pope Francis’ Opening of Lector and Acolyte Ministries to Women Explained

Jan 11, 2021

On Jan. 11, Pope Francis published an apostolic letter issued motu proprio (which means “on his own impulse” in Latin), modifying canon law regarding women’s access to the ministries of lector and acolyte. He also released a letter to Vatican doctrinal chief Cardinal Luis Ladaria explaining his reasoning for the decision.

Latest headlines

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of Caxito Diocese in Angola. Credit: Radio Ecclesia

We’ve Leaders Who “don't feel” Citizens’ Plight: Catholic Bishop in Angola Laments Political Leaders’ Indifference

Today, April 26, We Celebrate Our Lady of Good Counsel

Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo during the Eastertide press conference on 23 April 2024. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Oyo

Catholic Bishop in Nigeria Warns of Rise in “youth moral decadence”, Calls for Multipronged Solutions, Ethical Guidance

Emotions in Journalism? Kenyan Catholic Archbishop’s Tips on How Journalists Can Spur Spiritual Conversion

Pope Francis with Vice President Bawumia of Ghana in the Vatican. Credit: Vatican Media

A “landmark meeting”: Ghana’s Vice President on Encounter with Pope Francis at Vatican, Says Pope “prayed for Ghana”

Credit: CAFOD

UK-based Catholic Entity Warns Humanitarian Crisis in Sudan “quickly getting worse”, Appeals for Partnership

Trending

Bishop Sosthène Léopold Bayemi Matjei doing the final commendation during the Funeral Mass for late Fr. René Gaston Ayihi Tsimi on 22 April 2024. Credit: Obala Diocese

“I discovered a Priest who showed great love”: Catholic Priest Who Died in Rome Eulogized at Burial in Cameroon

Emotions in Journalism? Kenyan Catholic Archbishop’s Tips on How Journalists Can Spur Spiritual Conversion

Bishop Emmanuel Adetoyese Badejo during the Eastertide press conference on 23 April 2024. Credit: Catholic Diocese of Oyo

Catholic Bishop in Nigeria Warns of Rise in “youth moral decadence”, Calls for Multipronged Solutions, Ethical Guidance

Credit: Peter Hermes Furian via Shutterstock

Catechist Murdered in Burkina Faso Showed “remarkable dedication” in Over 20 Years of Church Service: Catholic Priest

Pope Francis addresses pilgrims gathered in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican for his Wednesday general audience on April 24, 2024. / Credit: Vatican Media

Pope Francis: Theological Vrtues are the "fundamental attributes" of a Christian Life

Archbishop Giovanni Gaspari with President, João Lourenço.

“Good, very good”: Outgoing Apostolic Nuncio on Angola-Vatican Relations, Collaboration

Pope Francis prays during his Wednesday general audience in St. Peter’s Square at the Vatican on April 24, 2024. / Credit: Vatican Media

A Negotiated Peace is Better than an Endless War: Pope Francis to Russian President, Vladimir Putin

Bishop Maurício Agostinho Camuto of Caxito Diocese in Angola. Credit: Radio Ecclesia

We’ve Leaders Who “don't feel” Citizens’ Plight: Catholic Bishop in Angola Laments Political Leaders’ Indifference

A Coptic Orthodox church in Old Cairo, a historic area of the Egyptian capital. / Credit: Sun_Shine via Shutterstock

Arsonists Burn Down Homes of Egypt’s Beleaguered Christians

Archbishop José Manuel Imbamba of the Catholic Archdiocese of Saurimo. Credit: Radio Ecclesia

Need for “joint actions” for Peace among Highlights of Archbishop and Angola’s National Assembly Speaker Meeting

Videos