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Vatican City – During the General Congregation on October 21, 2024, Cardinal Víctor Manuel Fernández, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, reiterated what should by now be obvious to all: the issue of female diaconate is not on the table. “The Holy Father has expressed that, at this moment, the question is not mature and has asked that we do not dwell on this possibility,” said Fernández. He added: “The Pope is deeply concerned about the role of women in the Church, but he has asked us to explore ways of valuing women that do not involve the sacrament of Holy Orders.”
A simple, straightforward concept. And yet, despite the clarity, some continue to pressure the Synodal Assembly, hoping that the mountain might give birth to their long-desired mouse. It’s an old strategy: manipulated articles, orchestrated outrage, and the usual spectacle of cries about “betrayed reform” every time the Church refuses to bend to ideological trends.
Fernández was unequivocal: women’s ordination is not the solution. “Rushing to demand female deacons is not the most important answer today for promoting women,” he said. Translation: the issue of women’s role in the Church won’t be solved with clerical shortcuts.
Doctrine doesn’t change (not even with a tweet)
This is not the first time the Church has said no. Back in 2020, the same Dicastery reminded the world that Christ chose men to transmit the sacrament of Holy Orders, and that this choice binds the Church permanently. Saint John Paul II called it an “irrevocable” act. Benedict XVI, in 2012, reaffirmed it firmly: the Church has not received authority from Christ to ordain women.
And for those tempted to “try anyway,” there’s Canon 1378 of the Code of Canon Law: automatic excommunication (latae sententiae) for anyone attempting to ordain or be ordained as a woman. This applies to the Eastern Catholic Churches as well. This is not some minor disciplinary issue—it is about safeguarding a sacrament, not fighting another pseudo-Catholic liberation battle.
Andrea Grillo: the theologian who whispers to excommunication
Still, some insist. Leading the crusade is the usual suspect: Andrea Grillo, a theologian by title, a perpetual critic of Church doctrine by passion. For years, he has championed the ordination of women in blatant contradiction with the Magisterium. The scandal? He does this from the lectern of a Pontifical University, funded by the faithful, even though Sant’Anselmo’s own regulations require professors to adhere to Catholic doctrine.
The Benedictines have long wanted him dismissed, but someone in the Vatican continues to shield him. Meanwhile, Grillo keeps attacking Pope Francis and anyone who doesn’t bow to his “theology of outrage.” Why? Visibility, of course. And maybe to sell a few more copies of his books. Nothing new under the sun.
The Rivista Liturgica case: Grillo out, cleaner air in
In the summer of 2023, Rivista Liturgica finally parted ways with the dissenting theologian. The breaking point? An article by Fr. Roberto Tagliaferri supporting women’s ordination, which also launched yet another attack on the evangelical counsels. The editorial board (rightly) blocked it. Grillo cried censorship and resigned from the journal. An exit nobody mourned.
Tagliaferri, incidentally, taught at Santa Giustina—yet another academic center where orthodoxy seems to be optional. But everything continues as if nothing is wrong. Those who speak of tradition are sidelined; those who defy doctrine are given the floor.
Petrocchi, synods, and focolarini
As if Grillo weren’t enough, Giuseppe Petrocchi enters the picture. According to some, he will be the one tasked with “listening” to proponents of female ordination. This is a man who already did enough damage in L’Aquila and is not exactly fondly remembered in Ascoli Piceno either. But apparently, coming from the right circles always guarantees a seat at the table—as long as you’re not tied to the traditional liturgy, in which case you’re treated like a dangerous weed.
The Synod doesn’t decide, but some keep trying
Despite Fernández’s clear words, some want to sneak in through the window what has already been thrown out the front door. But the Synod has no legislative or doctrinal authority. Those who keep pushing these issues not only confuse the faithful, they reveal either a deep misunderstanding of the Church’s nature—or a flat-out rejection of it.
In the end, it’s just another episode of a tired script: disobedience dressed up as reform, ideological theology disguised as progress. But truth, as always, stands firmer than fashion. And for many, that’s the real problem.
R.S.
Silere non possum