For the First Time in Synod's History, Over 50 Women to Participate as Voters

Reference image. Pope Francis greets a group of women. Photo: Vatican Media

By Ary Waldir Ramos

ACI Prensa / EWTN Vatican Bureau, 2023-07-12

For the first time in the history of the Synod, which was instituted by Pope Paul VI in 1965, more than 50 women will have the opportunity to vote in the 16th General Assembly. The first session of the assembly is scheduled to take place from October 4th to 29th, 2023.

Monsignor Luis Marín de San Martín, the Undersecretary of the General Secretariat of the Synod, emphasized that this development reflects the universality of the Church. He stated in a dialogue with ACI Prensa that women should contribute to the discernment of God's will and continue the Episcopal Synod. He further clarified that the inclusion of women does not change the fact that the assembly remains predominantly composed of bishops, with a representation of "non-bishops" at 25%.

According to the Synod Secretariat, 54 women have been granted voting rights for the upcoming assembly. Among them, five are from the Union of Superiors General, six have been appointed by the Pope, 42 represent the continental assemblies, and one is an undersecretary.

The theme of the 16th General Assembly is "For a Synodal Church: Communion, Participation, Mission," and it will be presided over by two women. Sister María de los Dolores Palencia from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph of Lyon and Japanese missionary Momoko Nishimura from the Servants of the Gospel of the Mercy of God family have been appointed as the delegate presidents.

The Holy See Press Office announced on Friday that a total of 85 women will participate in the assembly, although the final lists are still being compiled. Those attending without voting rights are categorized as "special guests" or will participate as "experts" and "animators."

Bishop Luis Marín, who is also the Titular Bishop of Suliana in Spain, emphasized that this inclusive step is a dynamic of walking together as the whole people of God. He emphasized that the Synod of Bishops is consultative and does not possess deliberative power. Instead, it makes proposals to the Pope. Pope Francis himself has reiterated that the Synod is not a parliamentary or opinion survey, but rather an ecclesial moment where the Holy Spirit is the protagonist.

Bishop Marín further explained that the Synod reflects the unity of faith, as St. John Paul II described it as "pluriform unity" in the Church. This means that while there is one Lord, one baptism, and an unchangeable deposit of faith that identifies Christians, there is also a diversity of forms, sensitivities, and ways in which people walk together.

The list of women members of the Synod with voting rights includes delegates, presidents, representatives from the Union of Superiors General and the International Union of Superiors General, and those appointed by the Pontiff. They come from various regions and continents, reflecting the global nature of the Church.

Additionally, the Synod will have women participants who do not have voting rights. These individuals are categorized as "special invited guests," and there will also be experts, animators, and spiritual assistants involved in the assembly.

The inclusion of women in the voting process of the Synod is a significant milestone in the history of the Church. It demonstrates a commitment to greater gender equality and ensures that diverse voices are heard in the decision-making process. This development aligns with Pope Francis' vision of a more inclusive and synodal Church, where the participation of all members is valued and encouraged.

List of women members of the Synod with voting rights

DELEGATE PRESIDENTS

Sister María de los Dolores Palencia, C.S.J. (Mexico)
Mrs. Momoko Nishimura, S.E.M.D. (Japan)

INFORMATION COMMISSION

Secretary Dr. Sheila Leocádia Pires, Responsible for Communication at the "Southern African Catholic Bishops' Conference" (S.A.C.B.C.) (Mozambique)

FOR THE UNION OF SUPERIORS GENERAL AND THE INTERNATIONAL UNION OF SUPERIORS GENERAL

Sister Nadia Coppa, A.S.C., President of the International Union of Superior Generals (U.I.S.G.)
Sister Elizabeth Mary Davis, R.S.M., Responsible for the Commission of Meeting Places
Sister Elysée Izerimana, Op. S.D.N., General Councillor of the Sisters Workers of the Holy House of Nazareth
Sister Patricia Murray, I.B.V.M., Executive Secretary of the International Union of Superior Generals (U.I.S.G.)
Sister Maria Nirmalini, A.C., Superior General of the Apostolic Carmel Sisters

BY PONTIFICAL APPOINTMENT

Sister Simona Brambilla, M.C., Superior General of the Consolata Missionaries (Italy)
Prof. Cristina Inogés Sanz, Theologian (Spain)
Sister María de los Dolores Palencia, C.S.J., Delegate President (*)
Sister Samuela Maria Rigon, S.S.M., Superior General of the Sisters of the Holy Mother of Sorrows (Italy)
Sister Xiskya Lucía Valladares P. (Nicaragua), Co-founder of IMisión, Director of the Communication Department at the "Alberta Giménez Higher Education Center" (C.E.S.A.G. - Pontifical Comillas University)
Sister María de Fátima Vieira Diniz, S.Smo.S., Superior General of the Servants of the Most Holy Sacrament (Venezuela)

FROM CONTINENTAL ASSEMBLIES

NON-INVESTED MEMBERS OF THE EPISCOPAL MUNUS, WITNESSES OF THE SYNODAL PROCESS

Africa