Vatican commission votes against women as deacons

A Vatican commission has voted against allowing women to serve as deacons. In a report given to Pope Leo, the commission said historical research and theological investigation "excludes the possibility" of allowing women deacons at this time, but recommended further study, adding that the findings were not "definitive." We get reaction from Catholics and speak to our global religion reporter.

An independent Pentagon watchdog report has found that the US Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, could have endangered the lives of American troops through the reckless use of the Signal messaging app. Our global affairs explains.

Spain, Ireland and the Netherlands have pulled out of next year's Eurovision song contest after it was confirmed that Israel could participate. We have the latest.

And we bring together Australian parents and children to discuss the new social media ban for under-16s, which comes into effect next week.

Presenter: James Reynolds.

(Photo: Pope Leo XIV leads Angelus prayer in Castel Gandolfo near Rome, Italy - 17 Aug 2025. Credit: VATICAN MEDIA HANDOUT/EPA)