**Pope Francis' Reform Efforts Leave Women Seeking Greater Equality**

In a significant yet measured conclusion to Pope Francis' extensive campaign to reform the Catholic Church, the latest recommendations fell short of fulfilling hopes for greater women's equity. Despite years of discussions and anticipation, the proposals stopped short of allowing women to be ordained as deacons, a contentious issue that remains unresolved.

Pope Francis announced that he will not issue a teaching document based on the recommendations, which affirmed that women should be allowed all opportunities that existing Church law provides. The question of female diaconal ordination, however, was left open-ended. This decision has led to uncertainty regarding the authority and impact of the synod’s final recommendations, as the exercise aimed to offer the pope concrete proposals for reform. "In this time of war, we must be witnesses to peace," the pope emphasized while explaining his decision.

"A cultural shift" is how Kate McElwee, the executive director of the Women's Ordination Conference, characterized the recent synodal developments. However, she expressed that the pace of change might be too slow for many women. The meeting sought "full implementation of all the opportunities already provided for in Canon Law," specifically in areas where such opportunities remain under-utilized, while leaving the issue of female deacons unresolved.

Despite including women in the synodal process, the ongoing role of women in the Church is being further discussed by a special working group led by the Roman Curia, operating outside the synod. Cardinal Victor Manuel Fernandez, Vatican’s top doctrinal officer, indicated that Francis has deemed the time not yet ripe for ordination of women as deacons without specifying the criteria for such "ripeness."

The years-long synod process sparked significant expectations for change, especially among women who feel sidelined in church roles. While women manage major Catholic institutions and contribute significantly to community and faith-building, they remain excluded from the highest ministerial positions. Some advocates argue that permitting women to be deacons could help alleviate the shortfall of priests.

Pope Francis has consistently maintained that ordaining women would merely "clericalize" them and believes there are other ways to empower women within the Church. Reflecting his broader vision, the synod's conclusion seems aimed more at fostering dialogue and peace rather than making sweeping reforms. Nevertheless, for many women, the outcome signals continued delays in achieving the equity they seek within the Church's hierarchy.