Pope Francis has penned the preface for "Women and Ministries in the Synodal Church," a book written by three theologians and two cardinals who attended the Council of Cardinals (C9) meeting in February at the Vatican.

The theologians are Salesian Sister Linda Pocher, professor of Christology and Mariology at the Auxilium in Rome, who also wrote the book's introduction; Jo Bailey Wells, an Anglican bishop and undersecretary general of the Anglican Communion; and Giuliva Di Berardino, a consecrated woman from the Ordo Virginum of the Diocese of Verona in Italy, a liturgist, teacher, and organizer of spiritual courses and exercises. The cardinals are Jean-Claude Hollerich, archbishop of Luxembourg and relator general of the Synod on Synodality, who in 2023 suggested that the ordination of women could be possible in the future; and Seán Patrick O'Malley, archbishop of Boston and president of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors.

In his preface, published in L'Osservatore Romano, Pope Francis addresses the pervasive issue of clericalism within the Church, acknowledging that it affects not only ordained ministers but also the laity, including women. He notes that ecclesial communities have long suffered due to misunderstandings and limitations in how ministry is perceived and practiced. He emphasizes the need to listen to those suffering from the lack of recognition and opportunities within the Church, highlighting the particular struggles of women who are often closest, most available, and ready to serve God and His Kingdom.

Pope Francis asserts that reality should take precedence over rigid theological ideas, which can sometimes sacrifice the richness of lived experience for the sake of maintaining clear and distinct doctrines.

The discussion on women's roles in the Church is also featured in the Instrumentum laboris for the second phase of the Synod on Synodality, set for October 2024. The document calls for greater recognition of women's charisms and vocations, asserting their full equality through Baptism and their receipt of the Spirit's gifts.

Salesian Sister Laura Pocher notes the ongoing and heated debate on the female diaconate, acknowledging the diversity of theological perspectives. Despite the Pope's stance against ordaining women as deacons, as expressed in a CBS News interview, three potential paths are outlined: maintaining the status quo, instituting a form of diaconate without ordination to formally recognize women's service, or allowing women to be ordained as deacons without progressing to priesthood.

While the topic was discussed at the C9 meeting, it is not on the Synod's agenda, and the Pope remains cautious about addressing it due to its contentious nature. Nevertheless, Pope Francis has tasked the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith with studying women's participation and leadership in the Church, including the possibility of women deacons.

Previously, Pope established two commissions to explore the role of deaconesses in the Church. The first, in 2016, ended without consensus, and the second, in 2020, followed the Amazon Synod's favorable stance on the issue. In his apostolic exhortation "Querida Amazonia," Pope Francis encouraged women's participation in the Church, though not in ordained ministries.