Females in The Vatican

Last week, a young woman set a historical precedent in the Vatican. People familiar with St. Peter's Square know that the Pope speaks from his apartment window at around noon on Sundays and at a few other occasions. People might recall scenes where the Pope appeared at his apartment window with a boy and a girl. They released white doves to celebrate Catholic Action Month. (Some may recall a few years ago when one of the doves did not want to leave the Papal apartment.) Well, on January 27, the Pope appeared at his apartment window with a young girl. After the remarks of His Holiness, the young girl presented a speach related to Catholic Action. What's the big deal? This marks the first time in history that a female has spoken from the podium at the window of the Pope's apartment.

Now, it is highly unlikely that His Holiness is going to hop on a boat and ordain several priests that are female. However, this event may be a sign that the Vatican's stance on providing more leadership and service opportunities to females might be shifting - albeit ever so slightly.