Quick Bytes
- Pope Francis reaffirms the Catholic Church’s stance against female clergy.
- Women praised for their unique and vital role within the Church.
- The Pope discusses immigration, service, and the possibility of retirement in a CBS interview.
Pope Francis Upholds Traditional Church Views in CBS Interview
In a candid interview with CBS News, Pope Francis reiterated the Roman Catholic Church’s position on not allowing women to become clergy members. This conversation was part of a broader discussion on various topics concerning the Church and society.
When asked about the potential for women to serve as deacons, the Pope responded with a clear “No,” emphasizing that while women serve in crucial roles, they do not need to be ministers to do so. He highlighted the historical loyalty of women to Jesus, especially during his crucifixion, and their role as “masterful custodians of life.” Despite acknowledging the significant contributions of women, he maintained that holy orders are reserved for men.
Beyond the topic of female clergy, Pope Francis shared his views on immigration, advocating for policies that welcome, assist, promote, and integrate migrants. He also reflected on his practice of washing the feet of female prisoners, underscoring the equality of men and women as children of God. Addressing questions about retirement, he indicated no current plans to step down, citing only a knee issue as a health concern.
The interview, marking the Pope’s first in-depth conversation with a U.S. broadcast network, shed light on his perspectives on various issues while affirming his commitment to upholding the Church’s traditional doctrines.
