Spiritus Domini (Pope Francis)

Spiritus Domini ("The Spirit of the Lord" in Latin) is an *Apostolic Letter issued Motu Proprio by Pope Francis on January 10, 2021, and published on January 11, 2021. This document amended Canon 230 §1 of the Code of Canon Law, pertaining to the roles of lector and acolyte in the Catholic Church.

Prior to Spiritus Domini, these liturgical ministries were reserved to men. Pope Francis, through this Motu Proprio, declared that qualified women may also be formally instituted into the ministries of lector and acolyte.

The document explains that the basis for this change is that there is no doctrinal impediment to women serving in these roles. Pope Francis emphasizes that baptism is the fundamental source of Christian life and that all baptized individuals are called to participate in the mission of the Church according to their own vocations.

The Motu Proprio frames the change not as a matter of power, but as a recognition of the contributions of women to the life of the Church and as a way to promote a deeper understanding of baptismal grace. It clarifies that while these ministries are now open to women, this does not necessarily equate to a path to the priesthood or the diaconate, which remain reserved to men.

The accompanying letter from Pope Francis to Cardinal Robert Sarah, then Prefect of the Congregation for Divine Worship and the Discipline of the Sacraments, further clarified the theological and pastoral rationale behind the decision. This letter emphasizes that the opening of these ministries to women is intended to foster a deeper appreciation for the role of all the baptized in the Church's mission of evangelization and service.