Pope Francis has created a commission to study whether women can serve as deacons in the Catholic Church, a role now reserved to men. The pontiff first hinted that he would create such a commission in May, when he met with a group of nuns. The new commission is composed of six women and seven men from academic intuitions around the world. It includes one American, Phyllis Zagano, a professor at Hofstra University. Currently, men who serve as deacons can preach and preside at weddings, baptisms and funerals, but only priests can celebrate Mass.

Watch our story on Catholic deacons.