Pope Francis Makes History , By Allowing Women , to Vote at Bishops' Meetings .<br />On April 26, the Vatican published <br />new rules allowing women to vote <br />in an upcoming meeting of bishops.<br />NPR reports that the historic move reflects <br />Pope Francis' hope that women will gain more<br />decision-making responsibilities in the church.<br />The changes to longstanding norms reportedly emphasize <br />the pope's vision for laypeople to have a greater role <br />in decisions long left to clerics, bishops and cardinals.<br />This is a significant crack in <br />the stained glass ceiling, <br />and the result of sustained <br />advocacy, activism and the witness, Kate McElwee, Women's Ordination Conference, via NPR.<br />Under the new changes, five religious <br />sisters will join the Synod of Bishops as <br />voting representatives for religious decisions.<br />Under the new changes, five religious <br />sisters will join the Synod of Bishops as <br />voting representatives for religious decisions.<br />NPR reports that Francis will also appoint <br />70 non-bishop members to join the synod, and he<br />requested that half of those new members be women.<br />NPR reports that Francis will also appoint <br />70 non-bishop members to join the synod, and he<br />requested that half of those new members be women.<br />New members will be nominated <br />by regional blocs and <br />approved by Francis himself.<br />NPR reports that the next synod is scheduled for October 4 through 29 and will focus on "synodality," or making the church more reflective of the laity.<br />It's an important change, <br />it's not a revolution, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, top organizer of the synod, via NPR.<br />Change is normal in life and history. <br />Sometimes there are revolutions <br />in history, but revolutions have victims. <br />We don't want to have victims, Cardinal Jean-Claude Hollerich, top organizer of the synod, via NPR
