The Vatican has reaffirmed its long-standing position that only ordained priests and deacons can deliver homilies during Catholic Mass, rejecting a proposal from German bishops seeking to allow women and other laypersons to preach.
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Vatican’s Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments said the current rule “cannot be dispensed from,” stressing that the restriction is rooted in the nature of Catholic liturgy rather than being a simple disciplinary regulation.
The decision came in response to a request earlier this year by the German Bishops’ Conference, which sought permission for qualified laypeople to give homilies during Mass.
The proposal reflected growing calls from some bishops in Germany, the United States and other parts of Europe who argue that many lay Catholics possess the knowledge and ability to preach effectively.
Supporters of the proposal have particularly advocated for women to be allowed to deliver sermons during Mass, noting that women remain excluded from ordination in the Catholic Church.
Explaining its position, the Vatican maintained that the homily is intrinsically linked to the ordained ministry of priests and deacons.
According to Catholic teaching, priests act in persona Christi—”in the person of Christ”—during the celebration of Mass, making the homily an integral part of the liturgical action.
While rejecting the request, the Vatican noted that laypeople are still permitted to preach or offer reflections during prayer services and other religious gatherings held outside the celebration of Mass.
The ruling is expected to disappoint reform-minded Catholics who have pushed for greater participation of women and lay members in church leadership and worship roles.
Tags: Vatican, Catholic Church, Women, Germany, Religion, Christianity
