An international interfaith collective of women has expressed “deep respect and gratitude” for the late Pope Francis, honoring his legacy of compassion and his recognition of the “vital role” of women in religious life and society.
The message came from Women of Faith – An Interfaith Collective, a diverse group representing multiple faiths and nationalities—including many from Asia—who first gathered at the Vatican in January 2023 for the conference “Women Building a Culture of Interreligious Encounter.”
“Throughout his years of service, he has supported and affirmed the spiritual dignity, leadership, and wisdom of women in faith communities around the world,” the group said in a public statement. “Our interfaith collective is one example of this.”
The collective recalled the 2023 meeting with Pope Francis, during which he invited women to “rediscover the feminine aspects of your respective religious traditions.”
In his address, the pontiff emphasized that “the activity of encounter and the openness that it requires are becoming rare and its practice is one of the greatest gifts that you can offer to your families, your communities, and to society as a whole.”
He further encouraged them to “continue this important collaboration, sharing knowledge and practical experiences” to “offer assistance to many people, who seek material relief from suffering and even more a meaning and purpose in their lives,” while promoting “the dignity of women and especially girls.”
The statement praised Pope Francis for speaking “with humility and courage,” noting that “his words have opened doors to dialogue, inspired reflection, and challenged long-held assumptions, always rooted in compassion and a deep love for humanity.”
“At a time when the voices of women of faith are still struggling to be fully heard,” the group said, “his recognition of our presence and contributions has given hope and encouragement not only to Catholic women, but to women of all faith traditions.”
“We join people around the world in mourning his passing and celebrating his commitment to justice, mercy, and peace. May his memory be a blessing and a call to continue building a world where everyone is heard, valued, and empowered.”
The statement was signed by over 40 women from various religious backgrounds, including Catholic, Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, Sikh, Zoroastrian, Taoist, Jain, and Confucian traditions. Among the signatories were leaders and scholars from Asia, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Americas.
