The “Inside the Vatican” team is together in Rome—live and in person—for the Synod on Synodality’s final week. Host Colleen Dulle, veteran Vatican correspondent Gerard O’Connell and producer Ricardo da Silva, S.J., discuss last week’s most contentious story out of the Vatican: the scheduled meeting of Study Group 5, which is considering ways to increase participation for women in the Church, including the possibility of women deacons.

The team examines the “palpable outrage” reported by delegates during their scheduled meeting, where they expected to engage with the Vatican’s doctrinal chief and study group members. Instead, they were met by staffers from his office. This unexpected turn not only frustrated delegates but raises serious questions about the real commitment to synodality in the church’s highest ranks.

More stories from this episode:

‘Palpable outrage’: Synod delegates react to women deacons study group meeting

Cardinal Fernandez affirms Pope Francis’ opposition to women deacons, says study will focus on women’s roles

Synod Diary: Can the synod avoid jargon and speak plainly?

Vatican and China renew agreement on naming bishops for four more years

Synod coverage on other America podcasts:

Jesuitical Podcast: A Catholic Arab born in Israel still has hope for the synod—and peace in the Holy Land

George Weigel on why he’s skeptical of the synod

Further synod coverage from America:

Synod Diary: The Synod’s busy final week is here—but it may end with ‘disappointment’

The keys to a bishop’s role in a synodal church: collaboration and compassion

Inside the Vatican: How authority is being reimagined at the synod