The first women who studied theology

Why so late? Women joined theology faculties from the 1930s.

Women did not enter the university itself until the end of the 19th century. But theology faculties are reluctant to welcome them, particularly because the question of validation of diplomas arises. The magisterium, which is the teaching function in the Church, is a prerogative of the pope and bishops, in which even priests participate only by delegation.

Theological studies are considered as the path of preparation for ordained ministries, therefore reserved only for future priests. Letting women obtain diplomas means accepting that they acquire an authority that they are not then called to exercise in the Church. However, what motivates the first female students is often to be more credible as Christians to act in society.

When and how does the situation change?

With the evolution of the situation of women in the 1950s and 1960s, the possibility of obtaining a diploma began to become available. The Second Vatican Council (1962-1965) valued the place of the laity in the Church, their mission in a secularized world and the need to train them. It was then that a first generation of professional theologians, teachers and researchers, was born.

Out of 38 doctors of the Church, only four are women. For what ?

This title, awarded by the Pope to saints to whom the Church recognizes an exceptional contribution to Catholic doctrine, was inaccessible to them for a long time. To the request made to him between the wars to declare Thérèse of Avila and Thérèse of Lisieux doctors, Pius XI responded sexus obstat (“sex is against it”). But in 1970, Paul VI granted this recognition to the first, and to Catherine of Siena. Therese of Lisieux and Hildegard of Bingen then follow.