Female priests stage peaceful protest before Pope Francis

The pope claims 'the door is closed' on female priests

Six people staged a "lie-in" protest during Pope Francis' attendance at a Mass with U.S. bishops in a Washington Church. The small group held their protest to demand the ordination of women priests.

MUNTINLUPA, PHILIPPINES (Catholic Online) - The six protesters, from the Association of Roman Catholic Women Priests, were arrested for civil disobedience and disturbing the peace. Following their arrest, the area was then cleared of spectators.

Following a meeting with President Barack Obama at the White House, Pope Francis went straight to the Cathedral of St. Matthew to attend mass with U.S. bishops. Upon arriving at the church, protesters were still lying on the ground and covered themselves with banners reading "Pope Francis Ordain Women." 

The demonstrators were issued a $50 ticket for blocking the road and were held on the corner of the road until Pope Francis departed for the canonization of missionary Junipero Serra.
One of the arrested protesters, Janice Sevre-Duszynska, said, "He saw our signs. He looked right at us."
Their group believes that there is no theological reason as to why the priesthood should be closed to women. Female priests are not accepted in ceremonies, and if a woman does appear during a ceremony it is grounds for excommunication.
Though Pope Francis has a progressive take on many issues, he has said, "the door is closed" on the subject of women priests. 

The pontiff's comment disappointed many women, including Sevre-Duszynska and the other members of the association. 
One protester, Maria Eitz, came from San Francisco to join the demonstration. Eitz said, "He is a good man and he stands up for the poor and that is wonderful, but the poor include women and this pope does not understand women. He has called women flowers and strawberries. We are much more than flowers and strawberries."
One of the spectators of the protest, Kathy Diaz, expressed her opinion about women priests, stating the idea of female priests is welcome but unfortunately "the Bible says the priests have to be men, and the pope has to follow the Bible." 

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