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Pope Francis: "Things open up a little this way"
Photo: Evandro Inetti / dpa
Pope Francis wants to bring more women into top positions in the Holy See.
The 85-year-old told the Reuters news agency in an exclusive interview.
For the first time, he will appoint women to a previously all-male committee that will help him choose bishops.
In June, the new curia constitution came into force in the Vatican.
Among other things, it allows lay people, and thus also women, to lead dicasteries – the equivalent of ministries in the Vatican and thus the highest curial offices.
This was previously reserved for cardinals and archbishops, and thus for men.
He was "open to" giving women "a chance," Francis said.
He pointed out that last year he had appointed the Franciscan Raffaella Petrini as the first Secretary General of the Governatorato, the administration of Vatican City.
Now it is no longer only men who are to have a say in the appointment of bishops: "For the first time, two women have been appointed to the committee at the Bishops' Congregation that is responsible for selecting bishops," announced the Pope.
“Things open up a little that way.” He didn't name a time or name.
Pope Francis has repeatedly spoken out in favor of greater participation by women, but has rejected ordained offices for women.
bbr/Reuters