As the world bids farewell to Pope Francis, the outpouring of tributes often focuses on his humble beginnings, his progressive stances, and his global influence. However, for me, his most enduring legacy lies in his unwavering commitment to gender inclusivity within the Catholic Church, a realm historically dominated by male authority.
We live in a society where gender discrimination remains a deeply entrenched norm. Women are too often relegated to the domestic sphere, their potential dismissed, their voices silenced. Leadership positions, both within secular society and religious institutions, are disproportionately held by men. The age-old question echoes: when will society finally recognize that this era of chauvinism must end? Is patriarchy truly a relic of the past, or a persistent barrier to progress?
While gender bias remains a pervasive reality, Pope Francis dared to challenge the status quo. He understood the indispensable role women play in the Church and took concrete steps to break down centuries-old barriers. He didn't merely pay lip service to equality; he acted. He made the Church a space for all, where decision-making was a shared responsibility. He championed women's voting rights and their inclusion in crucial Church assemblies.
His actions spoke louder than any sermon. In February 2021, he appointed Reverend Sister Nathalie Becquart from France as an Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops, granting her the historic right to vote in the Synod. In February 2025, he further solidified his commitment by appointing Reverend Sister Raffaella Petrini, an Italian nun, as Secretary-General of the Governorate of Vatican City State – the highest-ranking position ever held by a woman in the Catholic Church. And in 2022, he named several women to the Dicastery for Bishops, empowering them to participate in the selection of new bishops.
Why did he undertake these unprecedented moves? He envisioned a Church where women's voices were not merely heard but heeded, where their contributions shaped the institution's future. He dared to do what no other Pope before him had done. The critical question now is: will his successor uphold this legacy? Will they honor his vision of a Church that fully embraces the talents and perspectives of women? Or will his groundbreaking initiatives fade with his passing?
This raises a broader reflection on leadership across all sectors of society. Why are so few leaders willing to emulate Pope Francis's example? Why are women still relegated to the margins when technological advancements and evolving social norms demand their full participation? We often say, "What a man can do, a woman can do better." But what if we added empowerment and exposure to that equation? Imagine the transformative potential if women were consistently included at decision-making tables.
While many will remember Pope Francis for his remarkable journey from janitor and bar bouncer to the pinnacle of Catholic leadership, I choose to remember him as the Pope who recognized the invaluable role of women in the Church and granted them a seat at the table where none had sat before. His legacy is not just about breaking tradition; it's about building a more inclusive and just future for the Church and, by extension, for the world
