Cardinal Hollerich is not only in favor of women deacons but is also open to women priests. Asked in 2024 whether the teaching that priestly ordination is reserved to men alone and is “infallible doctrine,” the cardinal answered in contradiction to Pope St. John Paul II: “It can be changed. It needs arguments and time.” His argument for women’s ordination to the diaconate and even priesthood is that “if they feel discriminated [against], we must listen.” He also sees women deacons and priests as resolving the shortage of priests; he supports women preaching homilies at Mass.
