For Immediate Release: February 11, 2013

Contact: Erin Saiz Hanna (202) 675-1006 

Statement from Executive Director, Erin Saiz Hanna

Washington, D.C. - "The Women's Ordination Conference (WOC) respects Pope Benedict's decision to resign from leadership. We are saddened to hear of the deteriorating health of the pontiff and hold him in prayer.

During his papacy, Pope Benedict XVI used his power to take significant steps backwards for women. A staunch opponent of women's leadership, during Pope Benedict's tenure he declared women's ordination the gravest crime against the Church, excommunicated all Roman Catholic Womenpriests, and personally had Fr. Roy Bourgeois dismissed from his Maryknoll community for supporting women priests. 

As Roman Catholics worldwide prepare for the conclave, we are reminded that the current system remains an 'old boys club' and does not allow for women's voices to participate in the decision of the next leader of our Church. WOC members plan to host vigils and raise "pink smoke" during the conclave as a prayerful reminder of the voices of the Church that go unheard.

The people of the Church are desperate for a leader who will be open to dialogue, and will have the courage to create systems that will address the sexism, exclusion, and abuse in our Church.  The Catholic Church needs to be a voice for justice in the world.  We pray for a leader who can truly minister to all of the people of God."