women

They showed steadfast faith in times of suffering and were close to their flock in their daily routines, according to the decrees declaring them venerable.

There was a “clear recognition” of the need to prepare people for discipleship in a local Church “chastened and challenged” by secularism and the abuse crisis.

Women should enjoy “equal opportunities in all spheres of life without being compelled to renounce either their family life or professional aspirations.”

The center is named after St. Josephine Bakhita, a Sudanese slave who became a nun in Italy, where she died in 1947, and who was canonized in 2000.

“Women can and should play a much greater role in all these processes which are intended to heal societies fractured by violence and chaos.”

The pope also appointed Cardinal Fabio Baggio as pro-prefect of the same dicastery, with special responsibility for the Laudato si’ Higher Education Center.

The Catholic Women’s Association of German said the decision proves the Church adheres “to structures that exclude women from key tasks and services.”

Established in 2015 by Pope Francis, the Vatican Dicastery for Communication oversees the Holy See’s communications systems.

The case against Father Anthony Odiong has been extensively covered since 2023 by investigative journalist Ramon Antonio Vargas for The Guardian.

René Echevarria, executive producer of “The Faithful: Women of the Bible,” told OSV News the show, which premieres on FOX March 22, was an answer to prayer.