By Vatican News
Addressing some fifteen thousand pilgrims and visitors in Saint Peter’s Square gathered for the Sunday Angelus, as well as many thousands of others watching from home, Pope Leo XIV noted that today, Mar 8, marks International Women’s Day.
The Pope encouraged his listeners to “renew our commitment…to recognizing the equal dignity of men and women,” an imperative that for Christians is grounded in the Gospel. He decried the fact that many women from childhood onwards are still discriminated against and subjected to various forms of violence, and he said that “to them, in a special way, go my solidarity and my prayers.”
Pope Leo addressed this theme as well in the March issue of Piazza San Pietro magazine, published today, where he addressed a reader’s question about violence against women, calling for an alliance between schools and Church to promote “a culture of respect” among young people.
International Women’s Day is celebrated annually on Mar 8 and recognizes the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women while calling for action on gender equality. It originated in the early 20th century and has become a day for advocacy, celebration, and fundraising to advance women’s rights. – Vatican News
