Womenpriests on the prospect of female deacons

There’s the Pope Francis buzz. And then there’s reality. 

Last week news outlets reported that Pope Francis would form a commission to study the issue of female deacons in the Catholic Church. The predictable reverberations began immediately. Within days, the phrase “female priests” wormed its way into the headlines. While some hailed the pope’s progressive stance and remarked on potential changes in the Catholic Church, others pointed out the lack of historical precedent for female deacons serving in the same role as their male counterparts. More in-depth analyses and clarifications soon followed.

One group in particular remains highly skeptical that any real changes will occur: the women already ordained as Roman Catholic priests.