text: I think we are seeing both the political realities of the Vatican structure at play here, and Francis' own vision.  Pope Francis was given strong support for changes in the operating functions of the Church, but, I believe that privately he has been told by many of the more powerful, both from the liberal and conservative camps, that the issue of women's ordination is a complete non-starter and that if he chooses to go down that path, support for all his other reform goals will be withdrawn.  I also believe that one of the reasons that JPII was rushed into sainthood was to protect his doctrinal assertions under a halo of "though shalt not question!"  Yet, all that being said, I think a frank reading of Francis' words on this subject reflect accurately his view that indeed, women must never be ordained priests.  His deflection to JPII's doctrinal statements on the matter simply give him cover for what he honestly believes in his own heart, which admitedly for many is, dis-heartening.