Rule and Raven: I think Francis is also doing the study not only for the Catholic Latin/Roman/Western Church but also for other First Millennial Churches -- Orthodox, Oriental Churches (including the Coptic), and Eastern Catholic Churches. One hears of "Orthodox women deacons," but never sees them or hears of them in the sanctuary. At times, one feels that these First Millennial churches prefer obscurity, indifference regarding this issue (i.e.,women's diaconate) instead of study, dialogue. Hopefully Francis will engage them as if against their own traditions to come up with a common resolution, one way or the other. Doubt and resolution grow with knowledge, scholarship.