The Vatican has given its blessing for girls to act as altar servers at Roman Catholic Masses, a practice already established in many parishes.
The formal approval came in a letter by the Vatican's Congregation for Divine Worship and the Sacraments that was approved by Pope John Paul II, papal spokesman Joaquin Navarro said Wednesday.It leaves the decision up to individual bishops whether to allow girls to serve.
Altar servers, generally ages 8 to 14, assist the priest while he is celebrating Mass, lighting candles, preparing the altar or handing him water or wine.
In many countries, girls have been carrying out the function for years.
"This is the result of an interpretation of an existing church law and not a major innovation," Navarro said.
He said the decision resolved a "pastoral question" and did not involve doctrinal issues, such as those barring women from becoming priests in the Roman Catholic Church.
Still, the decision should please prelates from the United States and other countries. In a 1987 synod, U.S. bishops and others said the church should give women a greater role and suggested formally opening up the post of altar server. The Vatican began a study of the possibility a year ago.