05/06/2025
πͺππ¬ π§ππ πππ¨π₯ππ ππ’ππ¦π‘βπ§ π’π₯ππππ‘ πͺπ’π ππ‘... Lately, Iβve been using Pope Leo XIVβs photo as the background for most of my posts.
A woman probably mistook me for him β or assumed I speak on his behalf.
Either way, she came to my inbox with fire in her words.
She ended with, '...we want women too to be ordained as priests.'
What she brought forth isnβt a new conversation at all. The strongest and most organized pressure came in the 1970sβ1990s, particularly after the Second Vatican Council (1962β1965), when many groups began advocating for greater inclusion of women in various Church roles, especially the priesthood.
They asked:
βIf we can have women presidents, women generals, women CEOsβ¦ why not women priests?β
Even though Iβm not Pope Leo, the woman who sent a message to me deserves a response.
Why Arenβt Women Ordained as Priests in the Catholic Church?
And does that mean the Church sees them as less important?
I believe it's best if I begin from here:
The Catholic Church does not teach that women are inferior or incapable. In fact, the Church deeply honors women β from the Blessed Virgin Mary to saints like Joan of Arc, Catherine of Siena, Mother Teresa, and countless others whose impact shaped the Church and the world.
But when it comes to the Sacrament of Holy Orders, the Church teaches that it does not have the authority to ordain women.
And hereβs the reason:
Jesus Christ, the founder of the Church, chose only men as His Apostles β not because there were no holy women around. But in His divine wisdom, He chose 12 men to share in His priesthood in a unique sacramental way.
Even for men, not all are called.
Hebrews 5:4 says:
βNo one takes this honor upon himself, but only when God calls.β
The Church has always understood this not as a cultural decision, but a divine one.
In Catholic theology, the priest is not just a community leader β he sacramentally represents Christ Himself, especially in the Eucharist. And Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church, who is His Bride (Ephesians 5:25β32).
Just as a bridegroom is male, so the Church has always understood that the one who stands in persona Christi (in the person of Christ) at the altar must also be male β not because men are holier, but because the sacramental sign must reflect what it signifies.
This isnβt about personal worth or talent, nor is it a women vs. men issue. Itβs about fidelity to the mystery that Christ instituted.
In 1994, Saint John Paul II declared clearly:
βThe Church has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women.β
(Ordinatio Sacerdotalis)
And if you think women are less because theyβre not priests, then youβve misunderstood what priesthood is. The highest human being in the Church β above all popes, bishops, and priests β is a woman: Mary, the Mother of God.
God has given to the different genders diverse gifts and roles for a reason.
Imagine if men insisted on becoming pregnant. Science might try β but it only ends in confusion. Why? Because God didnβt design it that way.
This may not sit well with everyone.
And if you still feel unsettled, thatβs okay.
Just remember: God didnβt call everyone to the priesthood, but He called everyone to holiness.
And in the Church, holiness is greater than position.
If you love Catholic contentβ news, reflections, stories, saintsβ lives, doctrinal teachings, and real-life lessonsβfeel free to follow my profile James Terna. Youβll always find something that speaks to you.
