37. Mary’s spiritual motherhood has some defining characteristics:
a) It is grounded in the fact that she is the Mother of God and
her motherhood is extended to Christ’s disciples and even to
all human beings. In this respect, Mary’s cooperation is singular and
distinct from the cooperation of all “other creatures.” Her intercession
does not have the characteristic of priestly mediation (such
as Christ’s), but is instead situated in the order and analogy of
motherhood. By associating Mary’s intercession with Christ’s work, the
gifts given to us by the Lord are presented with a maternal aspect, imbued with
the tenderness and closeness of the Mother whom Jesus wanted to share with us (cf.
Jn 19:27). (Mater Populi Fidelis, November 11, 2025)
While reading
this document yesterday, this stood out—it appears that Leo XIV is opposed to
female priests, as was John Paul II in Ordinatio
Sacerdotalis (May 22, 1994).
