Archbishop Georg Gänswein, prefect of the papal household, says female deacons ain’t gonna happen. The possibility is ‘excluded.’
From PrayTell via Deacon’s Bench
Austrian Religion.orf, citing the January edition of Cicero, quotes Archbishop Georg Gänswein, prefect of the papal household, as saying that Pope Francis will certainly not admit women to the diaconate. He considers this possibility “excluded.”
The longtime secretary of Pope Benedict XVI sharply criticized “many powerful interests” that wish usurp the new pope for their own interests. “But I scarcely believe that the pope will let his hand be forced by certain German initiatives in his pontificate.” (Several German dioceses have reported results of the synod questionnaire showing that even among engaged Catholics, Church teaching plays almost no role in their lives, with disagreement on some teachings extending to up to 90% of the faithful.)
For many who are now enthusiastic about Pope Francis, Gänswein predicted, “their jubilation will remain stuck in their throats.”
Interesting.
Follow up question:
What is the over/under on how long until Archbishop Gänswein is transferred to Timbuktu?
December 20, 2013 at 3:38 pm
I don't think we'll know that, or many other things, until the Pope Emeritus passes away.
December 20, 2013 at 4:29 pm
I think since he was just made head of the Papal Household he will be there for a very long time no matter who the Pope is. As for Benedict that does not factor in. He is his private secretary but h also is his own person with a lot of theological experience. He may have a bright future and even be made a future Cardinal by Frances who knows?
December 20, 2013 at 8:10 pm
" how long until Archbishop Gänswein is transferred to Timbuktu?"
More likely back to his St Pius X Seminary in Switzerland.
CL
December 21, 2013 at 5:43 am
The first generation of NewChurchWithAltarGirls are now adults and starting families. They are used to women in the sanctuary, and the reason for masculine ordination will seem to them as quaint as kneeling to receive the Eucharist on the tongue. Just wait. There will be female deacons before the next generation passes.
December 21, 2013 at 3:09 pm
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December 21, 2013 at 3:10 pm
Georg may be around for a long while yet. I didn't give Guido Marini an ice cube's chance in Hades, but he's still papa MC. I'd like to know what's going on in his head these days!
December 26, 2013 at 10:42 pm
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December 26, 2013 at 10:44 pm
P.S. Happy Christmas Tide to all.
December 26, 2013 at 10:49 pm
Maybe Archbishop Gänswein meant to say, "the words will 'remain' stuck in [their] throats." ;-}
Sorry, just had to do that.