'What the pope left out about women' CNN Read Time 1 Minute Issues and Ideas Academics In a recent op-ed piece for CNN, Alice Laffey, associate professor of religious studies, discussed the pope’s comments about women in the Catholic church made during his press conference on July 28. Laffey, who was a member of the Women"s Ordination Conference after Vatican II, pointed out that while Pope Francis said that John Paul II “had closed the door” to the possibility of women priests, his comments conveyed a deep respect for women.“Francis' genuine concern for the real lives of the poor and suffering warmly embraces women,” said Laffey. “I think his behavior toward all, from the most powerful to the least, but acting very explicitly without judgment and with love and compassion on behalf of the least -- most of whom are women -- will ‘open the door’ to future conversation.” Read the full piece on CNN.com More Stories Image Go to Story How St. Ignatius’ Approach to Change Can Aid You Today Image Go to Story Discernment 101 Image Go to Story Meet Dr. No View All Stories