Former Cardinal Robert Prevost's approach towards women's leadership reflects gradual change within the Vatican.
Pope Leo XIV's Stance on Women's Leadership in the Church
Pope Leo XIV's Stance on Women's Leadership in the Church
In his new papacy, Pope Leo XIV echoes Pope Francis while maintaining traditional limitations for women in church roles.
In his previous roles, Pope Leo XIV, formerly Cardinal Robert Prevost, had significant interactions on the topic of women's roles within the Church, particularly during a 2023 assembly of bishops convened by Pope Francis. While he recognized the importance of involving women in leadership, he was skeptical about allowing them to serve as deacons. He articulated concerns that “clericalizing women” might not resolve existing issues but could introduce new complexities into church dynamics.
As Pope, Leo XIV is expected to address ongoing discussions surrounding women's roles, especially as he has a history of supporting Pope Francis’s initiatives to expand women’s leadership in certain church areas. During his tenure in the Vatican, he led the office responsible for evaluating and overseeing bishops, a position from which he endorsed the inclusion of women in leadership roles.
Those familiar with his earlier influence as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, note that he advocated for the participation of laywomen in various social initiatives, contrasting with his predecessors from the conservative Opus Dei. Local parish priest Rev. Pedro Vásquez remarked that Prevost fostered gradual change that benefitted girls and women within the community.
Educator Yolanda Díaz, who has contributed to projects supporting migrants and victims of trafficking, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Little by little the church has allowed us some involvement. There is a group of women leading social pastoral work here.”
As he assumes his duties as Pope, Leo XIV's future decisions will likely reflect a balancing act between maintaining established traditions of the Church and adapting to modern calls for inclusion and leadership opportunities for women.
As Pope, Leo XIV is expected to address ongoing discussions surrounding women's roles, especially as he has a history of supporting Pope Francis’s initiatives to expand women’s leadership in certain church areas. During his tenure in the Vatican, he led the office responsible for evaluating and overseeing bishops, a position from which he endorsed the inclusion of women in leadership roles.
Those familiar with his earlier influence as bishop in Chiclayo, Peru, note that he advocated for the participation of laywomen in various social initiatives, contrasting with his predecessors from the conservative Opus Dei. Local parish priest Rev. Pedro Vásquez remarked that Prevost fostered gradual change that benefitted girls and women within the community.
Educator Yolanda Díaz, who has contributed to projects supporting migrants and victims of trafficking, echoed this sentiment, stating, “Little by little the church has allowed us some involvement. There is a group of women leading social pastoral work here.”
As he assumes his duties as Pope, Leo XIV's future decisions will likely reflect a balancing act between maintaining established traditions of the Church and adapting to modern calls for inclusion and leadership opportunities for women.
