Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons? (Open to Debate podcast)

The election of Pope Leo XIV as the head of the Catholic Church has reignited a long-simmering question in the Catholic Church: Should women be ordained as deacons?

Deacons can preach, baptize, and officiate weddings and funerals, but not consecrate the Eucharist. Under Pope Francis, the Vatican launched commissions to study the issue and elevated women to senior positions — moves seen as laying the groundwork for potential change. Supporters say ordaining women would restore an early Church tradition, not break with it, and make the Church more inclusive and responsive to modern society. Opponents say the records indicate the opposite and that it would violate longstanding doctrine. They warn it could blur theological lines, sow confusion about the priesthood, and open the door to demands for women priests—something the Church has firmly rejected. They also point out that women already hold influential, non-ordained leadership roles.

Now, under new leadership, we ask: Is It Time for the Catholic Church to Ordain Women as Deacons?
Interview: 

https://opentodebate.org/debate/is-it-time-for-the-catholic-church-to-ordain-women-as-deacons/