Pope urges respect for 'complementary dignity' ahead of IWD

Pope Francis sends a message of support to an event marking International Women's Day, calling for "respect for the equal and complementary dignity of women and men."

By Vatican News

Pope Francis sent a message on Wednesday to an event ahead of International Women’s Day, celebrated annually on 8 March.

His message was read out at a conference in Rome entitled "Women leaders: Towards a brighter future."

The event was organised by Caritas Internationalis and the Australian and British Embassies to the Holy See.

In his message, Pope Francis said he was “pleased to learn" that the Secretary General of Caritas Internationalis and the Ambassadors of the United Kingdom and Australia would be jointly hosting this day of reflection.

He also expressed his gratitude at the “kind invitation” he received to take part.

While unable to take part in the event, the Holy Father assured all participants that upon them he invoked “Almighty God’s gift of wisdom.”

The Pope prayed that the conference will bear fruit “in an ever greater commitment on the part of all, in the Church and across the world, to promote respect for the equal and complementary dignity of women and men."

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