<p>Pope Francis on Saturday issued a new constitution for the Vatican's central administration, known as the <em>Curia</em>, stating that any baptised lay Catholic, including women, can head Vatican departments.</p>.<p>Most Vatican departments have been headed by male clerics, usually cardinals. The new, 54-page constitution, called Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), took more than nine years to complete.</p>.<p>It will take effect on June 5, replacing one approved in 1988 by Pope John Paul II.</p>.<p>One part of the preamble of the constitution says: "The pope, bishops and other ordained ministers are not the only evangelize in the Church," adding that laymen and women "should have roles of government and responsibility".</p>.<p>The principles section of the constitution says "any member of the faithful can head a dicastery (Curia department) or organism" if the Pope decides that are qualified and appoints them. It makes no distinction between lay men and lay women.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>
<p>Pope Francis on Saturday issued a new constitution for the Vatican's central administration, known as the <em>Curia</em>, stating that any baptised lay Catholic, including women, can head Vatican departments.</p>.<p>Most Vatican departments have been headed by male clerics, usually cardinals. The new, 54-page constitution, called Praedicate Evangelium (Preach the Gospel), took more than nine years to complete.</p>.<p>It will take effect on June 5, replacing one approved in 1988 by Pope John Paul II.</p>.<p>One part of the preamble of the constitution says: "The pope, bishops and other ordained ministers are not the only evangelize in the Church," adding that laymen and women "should have roles of government and responsibility".</p>.<p>The principles section of the constitution says "any member of the faithful can head a dicastery (Curia department) or organism" if the Pope decides that are qualified and appoints them. It makes no distinction between lay men and lay women.</p>.<p><strong>Watch the latest DH Videos here:</strong></p>