**Pope Francis Opens Dialogue on Women's Role in the Catholic Church but Faces Calls for Faster Reform**

Amid growing calls for greater inclusion of women in the Catholic Church, Pope Francis has started to address their roles in leadership and ordination. This comes after the issue of women’s participation became a focal point during a synod gathering of bishops and lay people from around the world, which concluded recently.

The final document from the synod, approved by Pope Francis, affirmed that women should be granted all the leadership opportunities permitted by church law. However, it left the issue of whether women could be ordained as deacons open for further consideration. This indecision has sparked frustration among those calling for quicker reforms. During the synod, tensions rose when a doctrine adviser to the pope dismissed the idea of female deacons and did not attend a scheduled discussion on the topic, later apologizing and holding a lengthy meeting with assembly members.

Phyllis Zagano, a Hofstra University research professor and expert on female deacons, highlighted the historical precedence of women serving as deacons until the 12th century, stating that a decision on this matter is overdue. Furthermore, Pope Francis has faced recent criticism for his restrictive views on women’s roles, particularly his earlier statements ruling out the ordination of women as deacons.

Women constitute a majority of church attendees, yet decision-making within the church remains controlled by an all-male hierarchy. While the Catholic doctrine continues to bar women from becoming priests, Pope Francis has allowed studies into the role of female deacons, showcasing a shift from previous papacies where the topic was not even considered.

In a notable departure, Pope Francis has decided not to issue a teaching document following the synod’s recommendations, instead endorsing their decisions to give them more weight. "It's a revolution that no one notices," commented one cardinal. Under his leadership, the pope has made strides to elevate women to prominent positions within the Vatican, including appointing the first women to the board that decides on bishop appointments and selecting women to senior administrative roles.

For the first time, women were included as voting delegates in the synod, with 54 female voters amongst the 360 delegates. Notably, 23-year-old Julia Oseka from St Joseph's University in Pennsylvania became the youngest female voting member in the synod history. Oseka emphasized the need for the church to act on the principle of equal baptismal dignity for men and women, even while acknowledging the slow progress and internal resistance.

Helena Jeppesen-Spuhler, a Swiss church worker and voting delegate, remarked on the significant opposition to reforms concerning women's roles, underscored by the 97 “no” votes against the related declaration. She stressed the importance of keeping the question of female deacons open and the necessity of the church taking a firm stand against discrimination and violence against women globally.

Advocates like Kate McElwee, executive director of Women’s Ordination Worldwide, argue that the church is not moving quickly enough, urging for urgent recognition of women’s equality. Despite these pressing demands, strides made under Pope Francis’ tenure are seen as notable, especially for an institution known for its gradual pace of change.