"Pope Francis Affirms Male Exclusivity in Holy Orders, Excludes Women Deacons"
Pope Francis reaffirmed that women cannot become priests or deacons in the Catholic Church, stating that holy orders are reserved for men. He acknowledged the question of women's roles in the early Church but emphasized that the diaconate, the first degree of holy orders, is also reserved for men. The pope formed commissions to study the issue further, but he believes that considering only the priestly ministry would undermine the essence of the Church. He does not support women's ordination or optional priestly celibacy as solutions to church-related challenges, emphasizing the need for paradigmatic changes instead.