TORONTO - Giving advice to the Pope is not a one-way street. It begins with Pope Francis giving advice to his advisors — including Canadian theologian Moira McQueen.

VATICAN CITY - Pope Francis said he was pleased that five of the 30 members of the International Theological Commission are women, but the body that advises the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, as well as the Church in general, needs more women theologians.

Surviving cancer won’t bring an appointment to the International Theological Commission. Neither will it matter that you’ve been married forever and surrounded yourself with seven children and nine grandchildren. Volunteering at your parish for everything from the Catholic Women’s League to marriage preparation courses is nice, but it won’t make you part of an elite body of 30 Catholic theologians who advise the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and the pope himself. 

A touch of Canada, a touch of Scotland and a feminine touch has been added to the assembly of 30 theologians who advise the Pope and the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith — all in one appointment. Canadian Moira McQueen, a Scottish-born, University of Glasgow-trained lawyer turned moral theologian, is among a record five women appointed to the International Theological Commission.

VATICAN CITY - When the Catholic Church affirms the importance of how all the faithful understand matters of faith and morals, it is not saying Catholic beliefs are open to a popular vote, Pope Benedict XVI said.