麻豆社

Pope Francis has sent a tremor through the Roman Catholic church by saying he is open to studying whether women can serve as deacons. The role is an ordained position within the Church and office holders can perform some of the functions of priests such as baptisms. The Pope has now indicated that he will consider setting up a commission to look at the issue. Erin Hanna is from the Women's Ordination Conference in the US - an organisation that campaigns for equality in the RC church for women.

(Pic: Pope Francis greets participants in a special audience with members of the International Union of Superiors General in the Paul VI hall at the Vatican, Thursday, May 12, 2016. Credit: AP)