The next pope will be a man, chosen by an all-male College of Cardinals. This fact, while controversial to some, is not surprising given the Catholic Church’s unwavering stance on an all-male priesthood. For Catholic women, this decision is not a source of frustration. Instead, they embrace their faith’s unique understanding of womanhood, a role deeply rooted in love, service, and Christian values.
The Church’s Teaching on Women
The Catholic Church’s view on women has remained largely unchanged for over 2,000 years. While many aspects of modern culture have shifted, the Church’s teachings still reflect the early Christian understanding of women as equals to men, yet with distinct roles. The Church teaches that men and women complement each other, each bringing unique qualities to their relationship with God.
From the very beginning of Christianity, women have had a vital role. The longest recorded conversation of Jesus in the Bible was with a woman, a conversation that revealed his deep respect for her. He entrusted a woman with the task of delivering the news of his resurrection to his disciples, an act that defied the norms of his time. Jesus also chose a woman to be the vessel from which his divine body was formed, making her the Queen of Heaven.
These examples illustrate the Church’s perspective on women: they are valued, respected, and integral to God’s plan.
The Modern Debate on Gender and Womanhood
In 2025, the debate around gender has become complex. Many in the Western world find it difficult to define what it means to be a woman, a notion that challenges the very concept of womanhood. However, the Catholic Church holds firm in its understanding of gender, teaching that women and men have different, but equal, roles.
Catholic women, however, do not see the lack of women priests as an issue. Rather than feeling excluded, they find their spiritual fulfillment in their unique role within the Church. Catholic women are not focused on power or influence but on living out the Christian virtues of love, self-sacrifice, and service to others. These values, which Jesus exemplified, continue to define the lives of women in the Church today.
Why the All-Male Priesthood Is Not a Concern for Many Catholic Women
For many Catholic women, the Church’s refusal to ordain women as priests is not a source of frustration. Women in the Catholic faith are focused on community, charity, and faithfulness. They believe their role in the Church is rooted in a deeper purpose than that of priesthood.
Ashley McGuire, a senior fellow with The Catholic Association, shares her perspective as a Catholic woman. “We love our priests. We do not want to be them,” McGuire notes. She explains that Catholic women of all backgrounds are grappling with life’s struggles, just as other women do. These include challenges such as infertility, family dynamics, and the pressure of living in a culture defined by individualism.
The Church, to Catholic women, is a source of consolation and guidance. It is not about power, but about embracing God’s love and serving others. Catholic women find joy and purpose in the virtues of Christ, which guide them in their everyday lives.
Pope John Paul II’s Vision of Women’s Role
Pope Saint John Paul II highlighted the unique contributions of women in his 1995 “Letter to Women.” He emphasized that women bring a distinctive insight to the world, enriching human relations and making them more honest and authentic. This “feminine genius” is the essence of Christian womanhood: a life dedicated to service and self-sacrifice.
For Catholic women, the Church’s teachings are a counterpoint to the commodification and objectification of women found in many aspects of modern society. Women today face many challenges, including the exploitation seen in sex trafficking, abortion, and the commodification of their bodies. Yet, Catholic women hold firm to their faith, which offers a deeper understanding of womanhood beyond the pressures of contemporary culture.
A Call for Respecting Distinct Roles
The Catholic Church’s teachings on the roles of men and women are not about inequality but about recognizing the distinct contributions each gender makes to the world. These differences are essential for a complete and authentic understanding of life in the Church and beyond.
As the next pope is chosen, Catholic women around the world will look to him for leadership. They will seek guidance in defending the dignity and rights of women in a culture that often misunderstands and distorts the true meaning of womanhood. The task of the next pope will be to continue advocating for these roles, promoting a vision of equality that does not erase the unique contributions of each gender.
