Contrary to tradition, Pope Francis has appointed French Nathalie Becquart as undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, the first woman to hold the post and have the right to vote.
The 52-year-old is one of two new Undersecretaries named after the Synod, the body of bishops that studies important doctrinal questions and has served as an adviser since 2019.
Saturday’s appointment indicates the Pope’s desire “for greater participation of women in the process of discernment and decision-making in the Church,” said Cardinal Mario Grech, the synod’s secretary general.
“During the previous synods, the number of women participating as experts and listeners has increased,” he said.
“With the nomination of Sister Nathalie Becquart and her voting opportunity, a door has opened.”
The synod is headed by bishops and cardinals who have the right to vote and is also made up of experts who cannot vote.
The Argentina-born Pope has expressed a desire to reform the Synod and to empower women and laity to play a greater role in the Church.
The Pope named Spaniard Luis Marin de San Martin as the other undersecretary.
Becquart, a member of France-based Xaviere Sisters, holds a master’s degree in management from the prestigious HEC business school in Paris and studied in Boston before joining the order.