The ministry of a lector and acolyte in the perspective of the theology of the laity

Abstract

In 2021, Pope Francis amended can. 230 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law, pursuant to which the ministries (ministeria) of lector and acolytes are no longer reserved exclusively for men. This paper deals with the secular nature of these ministries, both in the context of their origins and contemporary understanding. Until the reform of Pope Paul VI in 1972, both ministries had been minor orders, conferred only on candidates for priestly ordination. In the process of declericizing these ministries, Pope Francis's decision goes further, because now both ministries can be entrusted not only to lay men but also to lay women. Consequently, the theology of those ministries should be revised, as they are grounded in the common priesthood of the laity, and not - as before - in the hierarchical priesthood.