Pope Francis and Women

The Pontiff was among the poorest. His life experience, closeness to suffering, and compassionate heart gave him a deeper understanding of the confusion between labor and mission in the Church. He was courageous and honest when openly speaking about manipulations around the concept of "service." Pope saw how "service" is often used as a cover for devaluing or diminishing women's work, who make up a significant part of the Church environment, especially in the lowest positions. He emphasized: "Be careful, don't confuse service with slavery. In the Catholic world, women work—sometimes even more than men. However, there is confusion between labor and mission, and the line between service and work is unclear, as these roles are too closely intertwined with mission and therefore often unpaid." Pope Francis advocated for the dignity, equality, and recognition of women's roles in the Church. He said: "The role of women in the Church should not be reduced to that of mothers and workers; it should be a limited role... No! It's something else!" He called for greater female leadership, proclaiming: "More female leadership for a better world." During the Holy Mass in honor of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Mother of God, the Pope particularly highlighted women's vulnerability to violence and abuse of power: "These concerns especially women, who are more susceptible to violence and abuse. For a long time, the woman was the first 'discard'—the one who was thrown away without mercy. We cannot remain silent before this wound of our time: women are being used. You are paid less because you are a woman; God forbid you appear pregnant before an employer—you won't be hired, or you'll be fired."

His open statements and actions regarding the role of women in the Church have become a catalyst for establishing new standards of ecclesiastical social justice. The Pope constantly emphasizes that true social justice is impossible without the active participation of women at all levels—in religious, political, and economic processes.

The Head of the Catholic Church acted openly—he spoke and took steps to ensure that women could serve the Church according to their calling, talents, and dignity. He repeatedly stated that the Catholic Church needs more women in leadership positions. And the Pope gradually and systematically prepared the ground for this. The number of women in Vatican structures increased from 19.3% in 2013 to 23.4% today. In the Roman Curia, this figure is 26%. He appointed French nun Sister Nathalie Becquart as Deputy Secretary General of the Synod of Bishops. In this role, she has voting rights during synodal discussions. The Pope also appointed Italian judge Katia Summaria as the first female prosecutor of the Vatican Appeals Court. For the first time in history, Francis appointed a woman—Francesca Di Giovanni—to a high position in the Vatican Secretariat of State (2020). Previously, these positions were reserved only for priests. Sister Raffaella Petrini became the first woman to hold the position of Secretary of the Governorate of Vatican City, effectively responsible for the administrative management of the city-state. Barbara Jatta became the first woman to head the Vatican Museums. Furthermore, he changed canon law that allowed women to participate more actively in the liturgy.

Reflecting more deeply on the role of women in the Church, Pope Francis created two special commissions to study the issue of the female diaconate. The first commission was established in 2016, and the second in 2020. Their task was to explore the historical, theological, and pastoral aspects of women's participation in diaconal service in the early Church. Although these studies have not yet provided definitive answers, creating commissions became an essential step toward open dialogue, which was previously avoided.

The Pontiff repeatedly emphasized the need to listen to women and find space for responsible cooperation at all levels. 2016, the Women's Consultation was established as a permanent body within the Pontifical Council for Culture. This body remains active. In 2020, Pope Francis sent a message to the Women's Consultation: "For the first time, a dicastery involves a group of women not just in women's issues but makes them participants in projects and cultural directions that are developing."

He formulated new social justice standards with global resonance; he became the voice of conscience in a world where women's labor and dignity often remain on the margins. Women found support, attention, and deep understanding in his words and actions. He openly spoke about abuse, violence, discrimination, and manipulation of the theme of "service," not fearing to call things by their names. He defended the right of women to be not only present but also active, free, and responsible participants in the life of the Church. His creation of two commissions to study the female diaconate showed that God's action continues in history, and the Church should not fear difficult questions. The Pope said, "We need to prioritize actions that generate new processes in society and involve other people and groups capable of developing them into significant historical events."

Although some of the Pope's statements were controversial and could be interpreted ambiguously, one cannot deny his revolutionary and immense contribution to the emancipation of women in the Church, bringing them out of backstage corridors into the light, where they are seen, respected, and valued. In the name of Pope Francis, women have received tremendous support and understanding of their needs. Let us pray that his open heart to the truth continues in the actions of the next pontiff.

Francesco, Santa Messa nella solennita di Maria SS.Ma Madre di Dio, (01.01.2024), LVII Giornata mondiale della pace, (07.02.2024).

Apostolic journey to rio de janeiro on the occasion of the XXVIII world youth day. Press conference of pope francis during the return flight, 28 July 2013.

Francesco, Lettera apostolica Evangelii Gaudium, United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, Washington, 2013.

Francesco, Messaggio del santo Padre Francesco alla consulta femminile del pontificio consiglio della cultura, (7.10.2020).

Francesco, Il mondo sarà migliore se tra uomini e donne ci sarà parità nella diversità, (08.03.2023), in «Vatican News».