Francisco's appointment marks the first time that a woman has held such a position.
(CNN) -
Pope Francis has appointed an undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops for the first time, the Vatican reported Saturday.
French Sister Nathalie Becquart will be the first woman to be appointed to the position and will have the right to vote at the synod.
This places her in a place to help make key decisions in the Catholic Church, according to Vatican News, the official press website of the holy see.
The Synod provides advice to the pontiff, including many controversial issues such as divorce.
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Pope Francis appointed Becquart, along with Father Luis Marn de San Martín as the last undersecretaries.
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Cardinal Mario Grech, who heads the Synod, told Vatican News that "a door has been opened" to the possibility that more women can vote.
Nathalie Becquart will serve as undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops.
"During the last synods, numerous synod fathers emphasized the need for the whole Church to reflect on the place and role of women within the Church," Grech said.
“Even Pope Francis stressed several times the importance of women becoming more involved in discernment and decision-making processes in the Church.
Already in the last synods the number of women participating as experts or auditors increased.
«With the appointment of Sr.
Nathalie Becquart, and the possibility of her participating with the right to vote, a door has been opened.
We will then see what other steps can be taken in the future, "added Grech.
