SloveniaThe Vatican has reaffirmed its longstanding rule that only ordained priests or deacons may deliver homilies during Catholic Mass, rejecting a request from German bishops to allow women or other laypeople to give sermons. The decision was made by the Vatican's Dicastery for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, which oversees worship practices for over 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide. German bishops had sought permission to expand the practice, reflecting similar sentiments among bishops in the United States and other European countries who argue that many laypeople, including women who cannot receive ordination, are equally capable of delivering meaningful reflections. The Vatican did not release the full response to the German bishops but issued a public statement explaining that restricting homilies to clergy is rooted in the nature of the liturgy itself. According to Catholic teaching, priests act 'in persona Christi' (in the person of Christ) during Mass, and God acts through them during the service. Laypeople may still give reflections during non-Mass prayer services.
Bias read (Center): The article presents the Vatican's stance on a religious practice without overtly favoring either side. It includes quotes from the Vatican and mentions the perspectives of German bishops and other European bishops, providing balanced context. There is no evident bias in the language or framing of a
