Breaking with tradition, Pope Francis appointed French Nathalie Becquart as undersecretary of the synod of bishops, the first woman to hold office and with the right to vote.
The 52-year-old is one of the two new undersecretaries appointed to the synod, the body of bishops who studies the main doctrinal issues and has been a consultant since 2019.
Saturday’s appointment signals the Pontiff’s desire “for greater participation by women in the process of discernment and decision-making in the Church,” said Cardinal Mario Grech, secretary general of the synod.
“During the previous synods, the number of women participating as experts and listeners increased,” he said.
“With the appointment of Sister Nathalie Becquart and her ability to participate in the vote, a door has opened.”
The synod is led by bishops and cardinals with voting rights and also includes experts who cannot vote.
The Argentine-born pope signaled his desire to reform the synod and make women and laypeople play a greater role in the Church.
The pope named Spaniard Luis Marin de San Martin as the other undersecretary.
Becquart, a member of the Xaviere Sisters, based in France, has a master’s degree in business from the prestigious HEC business school in Paris and studied in Boston before joining the order.