Francis, the Perfect 19th-Century Pope

From the New York Times - Francis, the Perfect 19th-Century Pope by Maureen Dowd

His magnetic, magnanimous personality is making the church, so stained by the vile sex abuse scandal, more attractive to people — even though the Vatican stubbornly clings to its archaic practice of treating women as a lower caste.

Pope Francis would be the perfect pontiff — if he lived in the 19th century. But how, in 2015, can he continue to condone the idea that women should have no voice in church decisions?

…shortly after he was elected, Francis flatly rejected the idea that the institution could benefit from opening itself to the hearts and minds of women. Asked about the issue of female priests, he replied, “The church has spoken and says no,” adding, “That door is closed.”    continue reading

We completely agree with Francis on his concern for the environment, the poor, the sick, and homeless refugees.  Concern for these issues reaches back to the very foundation of Christianity and it is heartening to see a Pope focus on these issues.

However, Francis is profoundly wrong when he expresses views which subordinate women.  Whether or not Francis can see it, the "door" to priesthood is open to women.  Not only that, we intend to loudly and proudly proclaim that women have equal access to the Priesthood  - until the day when the Vatican (and some future Pope) can no longer ignore this message.