Pope Francis highlights importance of women’s role in Church and Society

In the Holy Father’s address to the participants of the International Conference titled “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity,” he extended a warm greeting to all attendees, expressing gratitude for their presence and the organisation of the event.

“The Church needs to keep this in mind, because the Church is herself a woman: a daughter, a bride, and a mother,” he said.

The Pontiff highlighted the significance of recognizing and valuing women’s contributions within the people of God, and called for unity, discernment, and collaboration to achieve this goal.

The conference, which gathers individuals from all over the world, focuses on highlighting the exemplary holiness of ten women: Josephine Bakhita, Mary MacKillop, Laura Montoya, Kateri Tekakwitha, Teresa of Calcutta, Magdeleine de Jesus, Elizabeth Ann Seton, Rafqa Pietra Choboq Ar-Rayès, Maria Beltrame Quattrocchi, and Daphrose Mukasanga.

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Pope Francis highlighted the significance of women’s charitable, educational, and prayerful initiatives, which exemplify the unique reflection of God’s holiness through the feminine genius.

“The contribution of women is more necessary than ever,” Pope Francis emphasized, acknowledging the challenges of hatred, violence, and ideological conflicts in today’s world.

The Pope also spoke about the urgent need for their contributions, which he said are characterized by tenderness and compassion, in order to foster unity and restore humanity’s true identity.

On the topic of education, he commended the collaboration between the conference and various Catholic academic institutions.

“Every effort to present students with testimonies of holiness, especially of feminine sanctity, can encourage them to aim higher,” the Pope said, stressing the importance of presenting role models to inspire future generations.

In conclusion of his address, Pope Francis highlighted the ongoing struggles faced by women worldwide, including violence, injustice, and inequality.

He then called for concerted efforts to address these issues, emphasizing the transformative power of education for girls and young women in promoting overall human development.