Jesus deliberately chose only men as Apostles. His female disciples were given a different, though no less important, role. Like his predecessors, Pope Francis is committed to involving both women and men in the governance of the Church, within the situation defined by Jesus.
The Apostles passed their ministry on to their successors (the bishops) and their helpers (priests and deacons). In the Western Catholic Church, priests and bishops in principle remain unmarried. They have freely chosen to totally dedicate themselves to Jesus in a celibate state of life, and to follow Jesus’ example in everything. This allows them to be completely free to go where Jesus and the Church send them.
