Pope Leo has officially removed a longstanding rule that barred women from holding senior leadership positions in the Vatican.

Pope Leo stated in his address: “The gifts of the Spirit are not bound by gender. The Church must reflect this truth in its leadership.”

The announcement, made during a special address at St. Peter’s Basilica, was met with both applause and cautious reflection from clergy and laypeople worldwide.

The change opens the door for women to assume top administrative and advisory roles that, until now, were reserved exclusively for men.

The Vatican is expected to outline new guidelines in the coming months, clarifying which positions will be open to women and how appointments will be made.

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