Vatican Secretary of State, Cardinal Pietro Parolin, praised the naming of three women to one of the Vatican's most significant bodies, the Dicastery of Bishops.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
It's a step substantial step forward, because until now there have never been women nominated to the Dicastery of Bishops which is in charge of one of the most important areas of the Church, which is that of naming new pastors. And it takes place within this path that Pope Francis has already begun while also responding to the directions of Praedicate Evangelium, which is the new apostolic constitution governing the Roman Curia.
The new apostolic constitution allows for women to hold high-ranking positions within the Curia, and went into effect just last month.
Speaking after a book presentation at the Italian embassy to the Holy See, the Vatican's top diplomat also shared his thoughts on the possibility of a papal trip to Ukraine.
CARD. PIETRO PAROLIN
A trip by the Holy Father to Kyiv would bring comfort, relief to the people, that is, if the Pope went in this way. That it could bring an end of the hostility, of the fighting, currently I see it a bit difficult. We always hope for it, but right now I don't think it's so realistic.
The Vatican has indicated that it is studying the possibility of such a trip, but Pope Francis has said that before visiting the nation under attack, he must first travel to Moscow.
JM
