Why Can’t Women Become Catholic Priests?

Description

Why does the Catholic Church reserve priestly ordination to men? The Church teaches that this is not a question of women’s dignity or holiness. Jesus Christ established the pattern of the priesthood Himself, choosing twelve men as His apostles even though many extraordinarily holy women followed Him—including the Blessed Virgin Mary. Catholic theology also teaches that the priest acts in persona Christi, sacramentally representing Christ the Bridegroom in relation to His Bride, the Church. The Church therefore does not believe she possesses the authority to change the essential nature of the priesthood established by Christ. Men and women possess equal dignity before God while being called to distinct vocations within His plan. Subscribe to Catholic Voices and Prayers for daily Catholic truth, traditional devotions, and clear explanations of Catholic teaching.