Pope Francis Appoints Committee to Study Possible Women Deacons

Pope Francis has appointed a panel to study the role of female deacons in the Roman Catholic Church, CNN reported Tuesday morning.

The church does not allow women to become deacons or priests.

Deacons are ordained clergy ranked just below priests in church hierarchy. Deacons preach and preside at weddings and funerals, but only priests can celebrate Mass. Deacons can assist at Mass.

The committee, headed by Archbishop Luis Francisco Ladaria Ferrer,  includes six women and six men from academic institutions.