Pope Leo XIV Explains Why the Priesthood Is Reserved to Men
Vatican City — During his weekly general audience on March 25, 2026, in St. Peter’s Square, Pope Leo XIV reaffirmed that the ministerial priesthood in the Catholic Church is reserved exclusively to men. The pontiff made the remarks as part of his ongoing catechesis on the Second Vatican Council’s Dogmatic Constitution Lumen Gentium, focusing on the Church’s hierarchical structure.
In his address, Pope Leo XIV emphasized that the ordained ministry—encompassing the episcopate, presbyterate, and diaconate—is understood in the light of apostolic succession. Christ chose the Twelve Apostles from among men and entrusted them with the mission to teach, sanctify, and govern the Church. This ministry is handed on through the sacrament of Holy Orders to men who continue that apostolic work until Christ’s return.
The Pope highlighted the essential distinction taught by Vatican II: the ministerial or hierarchical priesthood “differs in essence and not only in degree” from the common priesthood shared by all the baptized faithful. While both participate in the one priesthood of Christ, the ordained receive a distinct sacra potestas—sacred power—for the service of the Church. This power enables them to act in the name of the Church to sanctify, teach, and guide the People of God.
“This link with the apostles—chosen by Christ from among men—constitutes the theological foundation explaining why the Church considers the ministerial priesthood to be reserved to men, in fidelity to tradition and to the mandate received from Christ,” the Holy Father explained.
Pope Leo XIV, the first American pope (born Robert Francis Prevost and elected in 2025), urged priests to embody the spirit of the apostles by being “ardent with evangelical charity” and “courageous missionaries.” He called for humility, deep spiritual life, and dedicated service in continuity with the Church’s foundational mission.
This teaching is consistent with the Church’s constant doctrine, including St. John Paul II’s 1994 apostolic letter Ordinatio Sacerdotalis, which stated that the Church has no authority to ordain women to the priesthood. The reasoning is rooted not in cultural norms or considerations of power, but in Christ’s own example, the symbolism of the priest acting in persona Christi (in the person of Christ), and the spousal imagery of Christ as bridegroom to the Church as bride.
The catechesis formed part of a broader reflection on the third chapter of Lumen Gentium, underscoring that the Church’s hierarchy is a gift from Christ intended to serve the entire People of God in their journey toward salvation. Pope Leo XIV invited the faithful to pray for priestly vocations, emphasizing the need for holy and dedicated ministers in today’s world.
The full text of the audience catechesis has been made available on the Vatican website, continuing the Pope’s series on the documents of the Second Vatican Council.
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