By Prosper Mene
The death of Pope Francis at age 88 has prompted global mourning, with many reflecting on his transformative papacy, particularly his efforts to elevate the role of women in the Catholic Church. The first Latin American pontiff, who died of a stroke and heart failure on Monday, leaves behind a complex legacy that balanced tradition with progressive steps toward gender inclusion.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a vocal advocate for the marginalized, and his papacy saw incremental but significant changes for women within the Church’s rigid structures. “Pope Francis’s greatest gift was that he could get people to think beyond their own self-interest,” said Christine Allen, CEO of the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD), highlighting his push for inclusivity. His willingness to engage women in senior roles marked a departure from his predecessors, even as critics argue he fell short of fully addressing gender equality.
One of Francis’ most notable reforms was opening the door for women to take on leadership roles traditionally reserved for men. In 2021, he appointed Sister Nathalie Becquart as the first female undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, granting her a voting role in a body that advises the pope. This move was hailed as historic, signaling that women could influence the Church’s decision-making processes. He also expanded women’s participation in liturgical roles, formally allowing them to serve as lectors and acolytes, roles once exclusive to men.
Francis’ outreach extended to issues affecting women globally. He spoke out against gender-based violence and economic inequality, emphasizing the dignity of women in his encyclicals and public addresses. In 2019, during a visit to a women’s prison in Panama, he washed the feet of female inmates, a gesture of humility that underscored his commitment to uplifting women on society’s margins. His advocacy for decriminalizing homosexuality and his call for the Church to be more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community also resonated with many women who felt alienated by traditional Church teachings.
However, Francis’ legacy on women’s issues is not without criticism. The Women’s Ordination Conference expressed frustration at his refusal to consider ordaining women as priests, a stance that maintained the Church’s male-dominated hierarchy. “While he opened doors, he kept others firmly shut,” said a statement from the group, reflecting the disappointment of those who hoped for bolder reforms. Francis himself maintained that women’s contributions were vital but distinct from the ordained priesthood, a position that drew both praise for its nuance and criticism for its conservatism.
In Colombia, a woman holding a sign reading, “Pope Francis, the LGBT community honors and respects you, thank you,” captured the sentiment of many who saw him as a bridge between tradition and progress. Social media posts echoed this duality, with one X user, a former Catholic, acknowledging his “attempts at progress” for women and the LGBTQ+ community while noting the Church’s historical shortcomings.
As preparations for Francis’ funeral at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the conclave to elect his successor, the question of women’s roles looms large. The next pope will inherit a Church grappling with calls for greater gender equity, a conversation Francis undeniably advanced, even if imperfectly. For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, particularly women, his death marks not just the end of a papacy but a moment to reflect on how far the Church has come and how far it has yet to go.By Prosper Mene
The death of Pope Francis at age 88 has prompted global mourning, with many reflecting on his transformative papacy, particularly his efforts to elevate the role of women in the Catholic Church. The first Latin American pontiff, who died of a stroke and heart failure on Monday, leaves behind a complex legacy that balanced tradition with progressive steps toward gender inclusion.
Francis, born Jorge Mario Bergoglio, was a vocal advocate for the marginalized, and his papacy saw incremental but significant changes for women within the Church’s rigid structures. “Pope Francis’s greatest gift was that he could get people to think beyond their own self-interest,” said Christine Allen, CEO of the Catholic Agency For Overseas Development (CAFOD), highlighting his push for inclusivity. His willingness to engage women in senior roles marked a departure from his predecessors, even as critics argue he fell short of fully addressing gender equality.
One of Francis’ most notable reforms was opening the door for women to take on leadership roles traditionally reserved for men. In 2021, he appointed Sister Nathalie Becquart as the first female undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, granting her a voting role in a body that advises the pope. This move was hailed as historic, signaling that women could influence the Church’s decision-making processes. He also expanded women’s participation in liturgical roles, formally allowing them to serve as lectors and acolytes, roles once exclusive to men.
Francis’ outreach extended to issues affecting women globally. He spoke out against gender-based violence and economic inequality, emphasizing the dignity of women in his encyclicals and public addresses. In 2019, during a visit to a women’s prison in Panama, he washed the feet of female inmates, a gesture of humility that underscored his commitment to uplifting women on society’s margins. His advocacy for decriminalizing homosexuality and his call for the Church to be more welcoming to the LGBTQ+ community also resonated with many women who felt alienated by traditional Church teachings.
However, Francis’ legacy on women’s issues is not without criticism. The Women’s Ordination Conference expressed frustration at his refusal to consider ordaining women as priests, a stance that maintained the Church’s male-dominated hierarchy. “While he opened doors, he kept others firmly shut,” said a statement from the group, reflecting the disappointment of those who hoped for bolder reforms. Francis himself maintained that women’s contributions were vital but distinct from the ordained priesthood, a position that drew both praise for its nuance and criticism for its conservatism.
In Colombia, a woman holding a sign reading, “Pope Francis, the LGBT community honors and respects you, thank you,” captured the sentiment of many who saw him as a bridge between tradition and progress. Social media posts echoed this duality, with one X user, a former Catholic, acknowledging his “attempts at progress” for women and the LGBTQ+ community while noting the Church’s historical shortcomings.
As preparations for Francis’ funeral at the Basilica of St. Mary Major and the conclave to elect his successor, the question of women’s roles looms large. The next pope will inherit a Church grappling with calls for greater gender equity, a conversation Francis undeniably advanced, even if imperfectly. For the 1.4 billion Catholics worldwide, particularly women, his death marks not just the end of a papacy but a moment to reflect on how far the Church has come and how far it has yet to go.
