The [settled] question of ordaining women to “deacons, priests and bishops” can only be decided by a council, believes Vienna Cardinal Christoph Schönborn.
Talking to several Austrian newspapers (March 31), Schönborn said that a pope cannot decide an ordination of women "alone" although a council has no power either to introduce such a thing because it contradicts the Faith.
According to Catholic teaching women cannot receive the sacrament of holy orders - as animals cannot be baptised and chocolate cannot be consecrated.
About priestly celibacy Schönborn said that there is “potential for change”.
According to Schönborn, Pope Francis wants the issue to be discussed at the Amazonian synod in 2019.
Picture: Christoph Schönborn, © GuentherZ, wikicommons CC BY, #newsBlpcciaxye