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Pope Francis answers questions from journalists aboard his flight from Malmo, Sweden, to Rome Nov. 1. (CNS photo/Paul Haring)
FaithExplainer
Zac DavisSam Sawyer, S.J.
Why Pope Francis' comments are both business as usual and something worth talking about.
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The Editors
¿Si la iglesia discierne que disfruta de la libertad de admitir a las mujeres al diaconado, deberíamos hacerlo?
FaithEditorials
The Editors
If the church discerns it enjoys the freedom to admit women to the diaconate, should we?
Deacon Greg Kandra (photo provided)
FaithIn All Things
Sean Salai
'I pray that somehow through my online ...I’ve been able make this vocation come alive for people.'

There is some historical evidence for the existence of women deacons in the Roman Catholic Church. In 2002 the International Theological Commission concluded a study of the diaconate that included commentary specific to women deacons. The question was raised again in May 2016, when Pope Francis promised to set up a commission to study the topic anew.