What a beautiful closing reflection by Pope Francis!
The Spirit continues to speak to the people of God in all who work for justice and equality in our world and in all who have dedicated their lives to making the church a more equal and welcoming community where everybody is loved and everybody is welcome.
We believe this is what Jesus did in the Gospels and what the Risen Christ calls us to do today.
I pray that in this year of mercy, Pope Francis will take a major step to healing the wound of sexism in the church by dropping all excommunications against women priests, our supporters and all who follow their consciences in living our faith.
Today, women priests are the modern day lepers whom the hierarchy have rejected over and over again and whom Pope Francis could embrace! We ask the Bishop of Rome, “what about you? Will you embrace us ? May it be so.
As you leave the United States, our prayers go with you. Vaya con Dios!
Bridget Mary Meehan, ARCWP, arcwp.org
Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests
A Renewed Priestly Ministry in a Community of Equals
