Pope Leo XIV explains why the priesthood is reserved to men
EWTN News • • world
Key Points:
- Pope Leo XIV emphasized that priestly ministry in the Catholic Church is reserved to men based on apostolic succession, tracing back to the Twelve Apostles chosen by Christ, and is a divine institution rather than a mere organizational structure.
- He highlighted the hierarchical structure of the Church, consisting of the episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate, as a service rooted in charity and essential for the unity, mission, and sanctification of the faithful.
- The pope called for prayers for new priests who are fervent in evangelical charity and courageous missionaries dedicated to serving all baptized members worldwide.
- In a separate message to Polish pilgrims, Pope Leo praised the "spiritual adoption of an unborn child" initiative on Poland’s “Day for the Sanctity of Life,” urging defense of life from conception to natural death amid global conflicts.
- This initiative encourages Catholics to pray for an unborn child at risk of abortion for nine months, from the Annunciation on March 25 to Christmas Day.
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