Soline Humbert’s Memoir Sparks Outrage Over Women Priests

UPDATE: In a shocking revelation, Soline Humbert’s memoir, A Divine Calling: One Woman’s Life-Long Battle for Equality in the Catholic Church, has ignited fierce backlash against the Catholic Church’s exclusion of women from the priesthood. Humbert, who publicly shared her spiritual journey, faced a torrent of threats and abuse, underscoring the deep-seated misogyny within the institution.

The memoir, released by The Liffey Press in 2025, recounts Humbert’s lifelong struggle to honor her divine calling, first felt as a student at Trinity College in 1974. She details the scorn and ridicule she faced when she went public with her vocation, including verbal assaults from fellow clergy. “Women priests? Over my dead body!” shouted one priest at her after a funeral, illustrating the intense resistance she encountered.

As Humbert began participating in media interviews, the abuse escalated, with threatening phone calls targeting her home and violent messages aimed at silencing her. Humbert observed a disturbing trend: “A woman voicing her calling to the priesthood brought up the worst misogynistic violence in some men,” she stated, highlighting the risks women face when challenging patriarchal norms.

The memoir addresses the Catholic Church’s long-standing claim that the exclusion of women from ordained ministry is divinely ordained. Humbert argues that this assertion, made solely by men, is a definitive judgment that leaves no room for discussion. She emphasizes that her experiences reflect a broader struggle among Catholic women who feel called to the priesthood yet remain silent due to fear of backlash.

In an impactful foreword to the book, former Irish president Mary McAleese critiques the theological foundations supporting the Church’s stance on women’s ordination, labeling it a “classic case of the emperor who had no clothes.” Humbert’s narrative resonates deeply with many Catholic women who feel marginalized and unrepresented within their faith.

Humbert’s experiences also shed light on systemic issues of gender inequality in the Church, reinforcing the notion that women are viewed as lesser beings. This perception not only affects their participation in religious life but also perpetuates a cycle of violence and abuse against women globally.

The memoir serves as a powerful call to action, urging readers to reflect on the role of women in religious institutions and society. Humbert’s journey is a testament to resilience and courage, challenging the status quo and advocating for equality.

As the conversation surrounding women’s roles in the Catholic Church intensifies, Humbert’s book is poised to become a pivotal text in the ongoing dialogue about gender and faith. The world watches closely to see how the Church will respond to this urgent issue.

For those interested in exploring this vital topic, Humbert’s memoir is available now, sparking discussions that could reshape the future of women in the Church.