Last month I noticed an internet article entitled “Pope Francis calls for Equal Pay for Women and Men” (http://time.com/3840049/pope-francis-equal-pay/). Bravo, Pope Francis, for advocating equal pay for women, especially coming from the head of one of the most patriarchal institutions in the world.

But I wonder why you stopped short of advocating equality for women in all aspects of life? Why do you think women should be equal to men in terms of remuneration, while continuing to uphold the centuries-old policy of the Church that permits only men to be ordained as priests? If you really believe women are equal to men, you would change the current policy to allow women priests in the Church.

There is no rational or logical argument to justify this discrimination against women, and the Catholic Church needs make a daring leap from the Middle Ages into the 21^st century. Most other Christian religions allow women to be ministers, and the Vatican needs to play catch up.

You are off to a good start with your stance on equality for women, Pope Francis, but it is important for you to take the next step to demonstrate that you truly believe women are equal to men in all respects.