Female Diaconate: The Vatican Says No, but the Discussion Remains Open This week brought a series of notable developments from the Vatican, where Pope Leo XIV addressed questions at the heart of Church life while engaging with some of today\u2019s most urgent global challenges. From clarifying the Church\u2019s position on the female diaconate to renewing calls for peace during his first apostolic journey abroad, the Pope also met with Ukraine\u2019s president and implemented significant internal reforms. Together, these actions signal a pontificate moving with clarity and purpose. Vatican: No Female Diaconate The Study Commission on the Female Diaconate, created by Pope Francis, has concluded that women cannot be admitted to the diaconate as a degree of the sacrament of Holy Orders. The commission, which voted seven in favor and one against, stated that it is not currently possible \u201cto formulate a definitive judgment,\u201d similar to the Church\u2019s position on priestly ordination. While acknowledging that \u201cdeaconesses\u201d existed throughout Church history, the commission clarified that their roles were diverse and never equivalent to the sacramental ministry of male deacons. The findings reaffirm the Church\u2019s historical understanding while encouraging continued study of the topic. \u2018Peace Is Possible,\u2019 Says Pope Leo XIV Returning from his first apostolic journey to Turkey and Lebanon, Pope Leo XIV shared a hopeful message: \u201cpeace is possible.\u201d He highlighted new steps toward Christian unity and described his encounters with the Lebanese people, who continue to seek justice following the 2020 Beirut port explosion. The Pope spoke of discovering a \u201cmosaic of coexistence\u201d in Lebanon, meeting individuals and communities serving the most vulnerable through welcoming refugees, visiting the imprisoned, and providing food for those in need. His reflections underscored the resilience of the region and the Church\u2019s mission of accompaniment. Pope Leo XIV Meets Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Pope Leo XIV welcomed Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the papal residence in Castel Gandolfo for a meeting described as \u201ccordial\u201d and focused on the ongoing war in Ukraine. The discussion centered on the diplomatic initiatives currently underway and the conditions necessary for peace. The Holy Father reiterated the importance of maintaining dialogue and renewed his \u201cpressing desire\u201d that global diplomatic efforts may lead to \u201ca just and lasting peace.\u201d The encounter reflects the Vatican\u2019s continued commitment to humanitarian and diplomatic engagement in the conflict. Donation Commission to the Holy See Abolished Pope Leo XIV has abolished the Commission for Donations to the Holy See, a body established by Pope Francis in February 2025 and approved ad experimentum for three years. The Pope repealed the norms previously in force, declaring that they will no longer have \u201cany canonical or legal force,\u201d along with all acts issued by the commission since its creation. He further decreed that all assets held by the commission must be transferred directly to the Holy See. The move signals a restructuring aimed at simplifying oversight and ensuring transparency in Vatican financial stewardship. New Book by Pope Leo XIV Coming in February Pope Leo XIV will present his vision for \u201cpeace, unity, and reconciliation\u201d in his first full-length book, scheduled for publication next year. Titled Peace Be With You: My Words to the Church and to the World, the volume will be released in English and Spanish on February 24. The book collects homilies and addresses delivered since his election on May 8, 2025, and is being published by the same house responsible for works by St. John Paul II and Pope Francis. The release is expected to offer insights into the spiritual and pastoral priorities of the new pontificate. Receive the most important news from EWTN Vatican via WhatsApp. It has become increasingly difficult to see Catholic news on social media. Subscribe to our free channel today EWTN Vatican on WhatsApp Andreas Thonhauser Would you like to receive the latest updates on the Pope and the Vatican Receive articles and updates from our EWTN Newsletter. More news related to this article Pope Francis Meets with the Delegation for the National Eucharistic Congress Pope Francis celebrates 87th birthday with children who receive aid from Vatican clinic EWTN Roman Nights | Chastity: An Outdated Virtue? – September 28th, 2023 Pope Francis in video message: Human trafficking \u2018disfigures\u2019 human dignity Pope Francis\u2019 grandfatherly advice Next World Youth Day to be in South Korea in 2027<\/p>\n