Catholic Answers Live #12546 Why Can’t Women Be Priests? Eastern Rite, Pope, and Magisterium - Joe Heschmeyer
Jan 15, 2026
Joe Heschmeyer, a Catholic apologist and host of Shameless Popery, explores the complex topic of women and the priesthood. He discusses the norms for married priests in Eastern Rite compared to the Latin Rite, shedding light on historical reforms. Delving into papal authority, he addresses whether a Pope could teach ex cathedra without consulting the Magisterium. Heschmeyer also offers practical advice for young fathers to help their sons appreciate Mass, emphasizing the importance of reverence and engagement.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Celibacy Is A Valued But Disciplined Norm
- Scripture shows celibacy as a valued, higher state though marriage remains good and permitted for clergy.
- The early Church practiced a norm of celibacy without making it absolute law, giving room for different disciplinary practices.
Latin Celibacy Is A Disciplinary Reform
- The Western Church adopted mandatory celibacy as a prudential disciplinary reform in the 11th century (Gregorian reforms).
- Church disciplines can prudentially set requirements without being eternal divine law.
Papal Dogma Follows Broad Consultation
- Popes have authority to define dogma but prudently consult bishops and the wider Magisterium before formal definitions.
- Consultation secures theological rigor and episcopal buy-in, avoiding unilateral actions that damage authority.
