The Vatican on Monday rejected an appeal filed last fall by seven women–ordained and then excommunicated as Catholic priests. The women from Austria, Germany, and the US–including Dagmar Braun Celeste, the ex-wife of former Ohio Governor Richard Celeste–were ordained last June by Argentine bishop Romulu Braschi. Their appeal sought further explanation on the pope’s accusation of “schismatic” behavior as well as interpretations of selected Bible passages regarding the equality of women, reported the BBC. However, the pope reiterated his position in a statement issued from the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith and chastised the women for “formally and obstinately [rejecting] a doctrine which the Church has always taught and lived…,” according to the Associated Press.
The decree indicated that should the women repent and rediscover the “road of conversion,” the excommunication order may be lifted, according to the BBC.
