Pope Francis, in his address to the international conference titled “Women in the Church: Builders of Humanity,” emphasized the indispensable role of women in the Church, which he described as “herself a woman.”
“The Church needs to keep this in mind because the Church is herself a woman: a daughter, a bride, and a mother,” a Vatican News report quoted the pontiff.
He underscored the importance of recognizing and valuing the contributions of women, urging for “unity, discernment, and collaboration” to achieve this goal.
The conference showcased the lives of ten women saints and blesseds, highlighting their work in charity, education, and prayer.
“The contribution of women is more necessary than ever,” especially given the challenges of “hatred, violence, and ideological conflicts” in today’s world, according to the pope.
He highlighted the unique qualities that women bring to the table, noting that their tenderness and compassion are essential for fostering unity and restoring humanity’s true identity.
He commended the collaboration between the conference and Catholic academic institutions in promoting education and the role of female role models in inspiring students.
“Every effort to present students with testimonies of holiness, especially of feminine sanctity, can encourage them to aim higher,” he said.
Pope Francis turned his attention to the ongoing challenges faced by women globally, including violence, inequality, and injustice.
He called for concerted efforts to address these issues, emphasizing the transformative role of education for girls and young women in human development.
“The transformative role of education for girls and young women is crucial in human development,” he stressed.
