Why Now

Pope Francis launched a worldwide listening process from October 2021 through October 2024 (it has been extended one year). The Pope has asked all the world to share their prayerful feedback with the bishops, who will pray with the movements of God's Spirit across the entire world. We are in a new moment: 
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• In many countries the majority of Catholics believe women should be ordained as priests.
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• Thousands of priests, deacons, vowed religious and bishops believe that women should be ordained to the priesthood, but they are remaining silent.  
  
  
• ​We have a Pope who is truly moved by the Holy Spirit, who is willing to listen and learn from the People of God.
  
  
• The secular world--and many other religious traditions--undeniably reveal the awakening of humanity to gender equality. ​

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The pathway for transfiguration is present:

• All Catholics, former Catholics and friends of Catholics who believe in ordination justice must speak up.
  
  
• All vowed religious, deacons, religious order priests, diocesan priests, and bishops who believe in the ordination of women, must speak out publicly.
  
  
• Pope Francis, to honor the integrity of the synodal process, must explicitly state that there is no punishment for religious and ordained who speak out on this issue.
  
  
• Pope Francis, to have integrity with the synodal process--especially in light of the many synod reports calling for the ordination of women--is called to have an audience with women called to priesthood. 

The synod at this particular moment in history offers the  unparalleled opportunity for transfiguration through the power of God's Holy Spirit. Let us embrace this opening with hope and prayer. 

OFFICIAL PRAYER FOR THE SYNOD

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Pray the official prayer of the synod, holding in your heart a special intention for the bishops. They are under great pressure guiding a global Church in a world rife with division, violence, poverty and oppression. Let us support them in their ministry, and pray for them to have discerning hearts and the courage to boldly follow the invitation of the Holy Spirit, wherever it may lead.  
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​We stand before You, Holy Spirit,
     as we gather together in Your name.
With You alone to guide us,
     make Yourself at home in our hearts;
Teach us the way we must go
     and how we are to pursue it.
We are weak and sinful;
     do not let us promote disorder.
Do not let ignorance lead us down the wrong path
     nor partiality influence our actions.
Let us find in You our unity
     so that we may journey together to eternal life
     and not stray from the way of truth
     and what is right.
All this we ask of You,
     who are at work in every place and time,
     in the communion of the Father and the Son,
     forever and ever.
​Amen.

LINKS TO DATA ON ORDINATION OF WOMEN
*This data is already 7 to 8 years old 
​Latin American countries
US Catholics
Belgium
More statistics