Will the Catholic Church have women priests?

Damian Thompson reports:

From the strictly impartial BBC Sunday programme at Cofton Park, a classic discussion of the subject of women priests between Tablet editorial consultant Clifford Longley, Tablet director Tina Beattie and the Tablet’s favourite bishop, Kieran Conry of Arundel and Brighton – chaired by Tablet trustee Ed Stourton.

Tina Beattie announces that the Anglican ordination of women priests was “prophetic” (like many Tablet ladies, she is endowed with Doris Stokes-style powers of prophecy) and that the Catholic Church will ordain women despite John Paul II’s definitive statement that the Church has no power to do so, ever.

Over to you, Bishop Kieran. Will there be women priests in 100 years’ time?

“Well, according to Pope John Paul II, this was a definitive statement, wasn’t it, so… [laughs] I couldn’t possibly comment.” Cue knowing sniggers from Tabletistas.