What is the Catholic Church's position on the ordination of women?

The Catholic Church holds that the ordination of women is not possible. This teaching is based on the Church's belief that the priesthood is a participation in the priesthood of Jesus Christ, who was a man and that only a baptized man can be validly ordained to the priesthood. Additionally, the Church teaches that the ministerial priesthood has a sacramental character that cannot be shared by women, as they cannot represent Christ in the same way that a man can. This teaching is rooted in the Church's understanding of the nature of the priesthood and the role of the priest in the sacraments, and it is considered an unchangeable part of Church's tradition.

The role of women in the Church is multifaceted and valuable. Women, like men, are called to participate in the life and mission of the Church in various ways. Women can serve as lay leaders, religious sisters, and lay ministers, among other roles.

In the Church, women can participate in the sacraments, such as receiving the Eucharist, and can receive the sacrament of Confirmation. They can also participate in the Church's liturgical and devotional life and can serve in various roles such as lectors, altar servers, catechists, and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion.

Women have also played vital roles in the Church's history and continue to do so today. Many women have been recognized for their contributions to the Church as mystics, theologians, and saints. Women have also played important roles in the formation of religious orders and have been instrumental in the establishment of schools, hospitals, and other institutions that serve the Church's mission.