Vatican proposes expanding leadership roles for women in the Catholic Church

A Vatican commission has proposed changes to Church law that would give laypeople, including women, a greater role in Catholic Church governance. The report, released Wednesday, recommends expanding lay participation in church councils, diocesan administration and certain judicial roles, while giving bishops’ conferences more autonomy. The proposal would not diminish the authority of the pope or bishops, but rather encourage broader participation among the faithful. The recommendations are now in the hands of Pope Leo XIV, who will decide whether to pursue any changes.