VATICAN CITY, March 2 (UPI) -- Pope Benedict XVI said Thursday he would consider a greater role for women in the Roman Catholic Church.
During an audience with Roman priests, the pope abandoned his prepared statement to talk for about two hours on women, the news agency ANSA reported. He was responding to remarks from one of the priests.
Benedict said he would not consider ordaining women to the priesthood. But he suggested women could be more prominent in administrative positions, possibly even at the Vatican, and as professors in Catholic colleges.
The pope cited the "extraordinary contributions" of women like Mother Teresa, Saint Hildegard, Saint Bridget and St. Catherine.
Benedict's views appear to have changed little from those he held as Cardinal Joseph Ratzinger, ANSA said, when he advocated increased responsibilities for women.
