The decision was approved by Pope Francis and respects the policy of the Argentine pontiff to give more space to women within the thousand-year-old institution. The new rules will allow five religious to have the right to vote.
The next resignation has been called to discuss the future of the Church, for which the pope approved a series of changes, including granting the right to vote to women and lay people who attend.
In addition to the bishops, archbishops and other religious elected by the episcopal conferences, other “70 members (…) representing the other faithful of the people of God” may vote, indicates the document released by the Vatican.
“50% should be women and, if possible, young people,” the text indicates.
“When identifying them, it will be necessary to take into account not only general culture and prudence, but also knowledge, both theoretical and practical, as well as participation, according to their capacity, in the synodal process,” the document specifies.
Since the Second Vatican Council in the 1960s, the popes have regularly summoned bishops and representatives of bishoprics from around the world to Rome to address specific issues for the church.
At the end of the meetings, the bishops vote on specific proposals and present them to the pope, who prepares a document based on them.