Main Points
Priestly Ordination, Male Apostles, Apostolic Tradition, Virgin Mary, and Women's Dignity.
Description
Ordinatio Sacerdotalis is an Apostolic Letter promulgated by Pope St. John Paul II on May 22, 1994, which definitively declares that the Catholic Church "has no authority whatsoever to confer priestly ordination on women" and that this teaching must be held by all the faithful. Its main themes include the unwavering tradition from Christ’s selection of male Apostles alone—made in accord with God’s eternal plan, not cultural constraints—the constant practice of the Church imitating this choice, and the non-admission of women to ordination as exemplified by the Blessed Virgin Mary, who received neither the apostolic mission nor priestly orders despite her supreme dignity. Theologically, this document holds profound significance as it pertains to the Church’s divine constitution, confirms a doctrine preserved by universal Tradition and taught infallibly by the ordinary Magisterium, and addresses contemporary debates by removing all doubt while affirming women’s equal dignity and vital, irreplaceable roles in the Church’s mission.
Page Count: 370 pages
