Esteban González Pons, the Spanish politician and euro-deputy, has ignited significant debate with his recent remarks advocating for the ordination of women as bishops within the Catholic Church. He commended Episcopalian Bishop Marian Budde for her boldness in challenging U.S. President Donald Trump, providing not just support for women’s roles but calling for drastic changes within the Church.
On January 27, 2025, Pons expressed his views in an opinion piece published by Las Provincias, where he reflected on Budde's courageous act of speaking truth to power. He cited her as embodying the voice of moral authority amid political chaos, and noted, "Tantos grandes pesos y contrapesos de la democracia americana y el único que funciona es la voz de una religiosa" (So many great weights and balances of American democracy and the only one working is the voice of a religious woman).
His advocacy stems from concerns about gender inequality not only within the structures of the Catholic Church but also throughout wider society. By acknowledging Bishop Budde's confrontation at Trump's coronation ceremony, where she publicly prayed for marginalized groups, Pons linked her actions to the need for greater representation of women within church leadership. He elaborated on his thoughts saying, "Mirando al ogro naranja, pidió a Dios por los jóvenes homosexuales, por los sin papeles..." (Looking at the orange ogre, she prayed to God for young homosexuals, for those without papers...).
The commentary received mixed reactions, especially from members of the far-right Vox party, who accused Pons of being out of line with his criticisms of Trump as well as his calls for reform within the Church. Vox leaders, including Santiago Abascal, derided Pons, labeling him with various insults and demanding accountability within the Popular Party, the political grouping to which Pons belongs.
One notable reaction came from Llanos Massó, the president of the Valencian Parliament, who stated, "Estas declaraciones de González Pons, del PP, podrían ponerse en boca de Pedro Sánchez o de cualquier radical de izquierdas" (These statements from González Pons could belong to Pedro Sánchez or any radical from the left). He positioned Pons’ comments within the broader narrative of political estrangement felt by right-leaning factions, particularly concerning the Catholic Church's traditional stance on gender roles.
González Pons, currently serving as the Vice President of the European Parliament, maintained his position, advocating for the necessity of women's voices within ecclesiastical leadership roles. He noted the urgent need for the Church to embrace modernity, stating, "Y déjenme añadir que mujeres como ella, ordenadas en la Iglesia Católica, también le hacen falta al mundo" (And let me add, women like her, ordained in the Catholic Church, are also needed by the world).
The discourse surrounding González Pons’ remarks reflects larger global conversations on women's rights, representation, and the intersection of religion and politics. It exemplifies how figures within traditionally patriarchal institutions are being called upon to adapt and include narratives traditionally sidelined. His provocative statements serve to not only highlight the potential for reform within the Church but also bring attention to the individuals, like Bishop Budde, who are challenging the status quo.
Despite the backlash from Vox figures, Pons’ intentions appear clear: to push for progress, not just within the Church but as part of a broader movement for equality and justice. His reflections provide insight not only on the role religious figures can play within political systems but also on the potential for transformative policies led by those willing to speak candidly about reform.
González Pons’ advocacy joins the ranks of those throughout history who have sought women's ordination, marking yet another chapter in the struggle for gender equality within religious practices. His words echo the sentiments of many who are advocating not only for representation but for the fundamental right to participate equally within any institution, especially one as influential as the Catholic Church.
Whether or not these discussions lead to tangible changes within ecclesiastical structures remains to be seen. Yet, González Pons’ willingness to take such a public stance signals significant shifts and sets the stage for future conversations about the role of women and social justice within religious communities.