To most Catholics the actions of Popes Francis and Leo in appointing women to curial positions with significant authority appears as progress toward the recognition of women in the Church. It is not a serious breach in the wall of male clericalism and falls far short of the true equality that progressive Catholics would want. However, at the same time, it has provoked disturbance among more traditional conservative Catholics.

This post by Bronwen McShea on the Catholic Moral Theology website provides historical context that makes what I thought was progress appear less significant. Unknown to me, there is a deep history of women playing important roles in Church governance that has slipped from sight in recent centuries.  

Women’s Historic Ecclesial Governance Roles & the Synod’s Limitations makes interesting reading.