New ‘springtime’ forecast for women in the Church

A conference in Rome last week explored how women might play a decisive role in conflict resolution, while Cardinal Peter Turkson told participants that the next secretary of the pontifical council that he heads could be a woman, writes Laura Ieraci.

Jewish, Muslim and Christian women scholars spoke on the theme “Women’s Leadership in Conflict Resolution: Faith Perspectives” at the Pontifical University of St Thomas Aquinas (Angelicum). Donna Orsuto, a Catholic professor of spirituality at the Pontifical Gregorian University, said Christian women’s efforts towards peace are generally characterised by ­fellowship, patient listening, courage and prayer. Cardinal Turkson said he expects “a new springtime” regarding women in the Church, though “decoupled” from the ordination issue. Pope Francis had given him the “green light” to consider hiring a woman as the next secretary of the Pontifical Council for Justice and Peace.