Opening doors to church ministries in a women's key through the grace of baptism

Abstract

The purpose of this article is to analyze the perspective of Francis' papacy regarding women and ecclesial ministries. While theological and practical challenges for the ecclesial community today are coming to light in the face of an even more active female presence, there is also criticism regarding the lack of more difficult decisions that the Pope must make, such as, for example, the diaconate and the female presbyterate. However, his papacy has given priority to baptismal grace, which is the possibility of co-responsible participation of both men and women in the life of the Church. This work is not only an individual responsibility but is shaped by the historical context of the Pope and must be understood as such. This research outlines what Francis' papacy has meant and made possible in terms of ecclesiology, ecclesial ministries and the participation of the laity. Ecclesiastical documents and regulations are analyzed, using bibliographic research and hermeneutics of suspicion as tools. The article addresses the questions: what changes has Pope Francis implemented in the Church to encourage the participation of women in ministries? And, what are some of the consequences of these decisions in the ecclesial sphere?