Women deacons have become the subject of a growing debate in the Catholic Church.

America Media has released a video explainer about the state of the women deacons question. It looks at the history of women deacons and raises the key theological questions in the debate.

“Theresa’s ministry was about truth-speaking,” Sister Susan Sanders said in a statement. “Truth-speaking about women’s desire for full inclusion in the Church; and truth-speaking to Church leaders like Pope John Paul II.”

A statue of Mary giving birth to Jesus was beheaded by an anonymous group of vandals, garnering support from traditionalist Catholics who have criticized the statue's depictions.

We are all called to serve, and sometimes, I think, Pope Francis is suggesting that discussions about ordination can distract from that. 

Pope Francis and a nine member Council of Cardinals heard presentations from women experts on the role of women in the church through the lens of canon law.