In Video: 'No way back': Pope Francis remembered for elevating women inside the Church
Pope Francis’s Lasting Legacy: Empowering Women in the Vatican
As the world mourns the loss of Pope Francis, the first Latin American pope, one of the most significant legacies he leaves behind is the elevation of women to senior positions in the Catholic Church, previously dominated by men. Pope Francis’s appointment of women to high-ranking roles has been a hallmark of his papacy, reflecting his commitment to greater inclusion and equality.
Breaking Down Barriers: Women’s Firsts in the Vatican
Pope Francis’s trailblazing appointments began with the selection of Paloma Garcia Ovejero, the first female spokesperson, in 2016. She was soon followed by other trailblazers, including Barbara Jatta, who was appointed director of the Vatican Museums, one of the world’s most visited museums. In 2018, he granted three Latin American bishops of the Vatican Senate, granting women voting rights for the first time. He also appointed a woman to lead a major Vatican department, and later, Sister Raffaella Petrini became the first woman to run the governorate of Vatican City.
Empowering Women Behind the Scenes
As Levenia Río Carrera, secretary general of the World Union of Catholic Women’s Organizations, notes, Pope Francis’s appreciation of women has led to serious roles of power and a listening ear for the most marginalized women. This approach has not only promoted women to positions of authority but also brought about a sense of order, accuracy, and organization within the Vatican.
A Leader Ahead of His Time
Pope Francis’s relationships with women, particularly religious sisters, were built on mutual respect and trust. This is evident in his close friendship with Sister Geneviève Janniot, an 81-year-old French-Argentine nun, who was allowed to break protocol by visiting his coffin in a restricted area reserved for high-ranking clergy.
A Legacy of Empathy and Inclusion
Pope Francis’s legacy extends beyond his papacy, leaving behind a trail of empowered women who will continue to shape the Catholic Church. His commitment to listening to and promoting the voices of women will be remembered as a defining characteristic of his leadership. As one friend reflected, his friendship with Sister Geneviève Janniot was a testament to the connections he made and the lives he touched.
