The Pope Video: For the role of women
In the Pope Video for April 2024 he asks us to pray that “the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world”.
The Pope himself provides concrete examples, citing “discriminatory laws” currently in force: mandatory dress codes, impediments to ongoing education, denial of assistance for job opportunities. And he recalls that “in many countries, genital mutilation is still practiced.” Thus, he states that “governments need to commit to eliminate” this discrimination and “work toward guaranteeing women’s human rights.” He asks us all to respect women, who unfortunately continue to be treated “like something to get rid of”, and who are often victims of violence and abuse in many parts of the world, even in countries claiming to be more advanced. “And if we don’t [respect women],” the Pope adds, “our society will not progress.”
Father Frédéric Fornos S.J. International Director of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, recalls that “from the beginning, Jesus welcomed women as his disciples. This was a novelty in the society of that time. As the Gospels testify, Jesus’ mother Mary held a prominent place among the Apostles and in the early community. Jesus entrusted the mission of announcing his resurrection to his brothers to a woman, Mary Magdalene. Throughout history, women have contributed to the spiritual dynamism in the Church: Teresa of Avila, Catherine of Siena, and Thérèse of Lisieux, who are Doctors of the Church, and countless other saints. As the Pope calls us to pray this month “that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world,’ let us also continue to recognize women’s role in the Church”. Primary observation: If the Christian community were a business, without the active participation of women, it would go bankrupt.”