Pope appoints the first woman to senior Synod post

Pope Francis has named a woman as an undersecretary to the Synod of Bishops for the first time, which also brings voting rights in a body trading with some of the most contentious issues facing the Catholic Church. Nathalie Becquart, 52 years old and hailed from France, has been a "consultant" since 2019 to the synod, the bishops' body responsible for studying major doctrine questions.

The appointment indicates the pontiff's desire "for a greater participation of women in the process of judgment and decision-making in the office," said Cardinal Mario Grech, the secretary-general of the synod.

"During the previous synods, the number of women participating as experts and audiences has increased. With the nomination of Sister Nathalie Becquart and her possibility of participating in voting, a portal has opened," he added.

The synod is led by bishops and cardinals who have voting rights and comprises experts who cannot vote, with the next gathering is scheduled for autumn 2022.

A special synod on the Amazon in October 2019 saw female "auditors" invited to the meeting. None could vote, despite having asked to be able to do so.

The Argentinian-born pope has indicated his wish to reform the synod and have partners and laypeople play a greater role in the church. The next global parts of the synod in 2022 will be devoted to this theme.

Becquart has a master's degree in administration from the prestigious HEC business school in Paris and studied in Boston before touching the order, according to the website Vatican News.

Pope Francis named Spaniard Luis Marin de San Martin as the other under undersecretary in the synod of bishops.