Pope pushes for women’s greater role in society, hits culture of machismo

By ANDREO CALONZO, GMA News

Published January 18, 2015 10:53am

Pope Francis on Sunday pushed for women's greater role in society and crticized the culture of machismo during his encounter with Filipino youth.

In his message at the University of Sto. Tomas, the Pope said women "have much to tell us in today's society," as he noted fewer women attendees during the event.

"Sometimes, we are too machistas, and we don't allow room for women," the Roman Catholic leader said.

"Women are capable of seeing things from a different angle, with a different eye. Women are able to pose questions that we, men, are not able to understand," he added.

In July 2013, Pope Francis categorically said that the Roman Catholic Church would not allow the women priests.

"With regards to the ordination of women, the Church has spoken and says 'no'. Pope John Paul said so with a formula that was definitive. That door is closed," the pontiff told journalists on board the papal plane after his visit to Brazil.

The Church teaches that it cannot ordain women because Jesus willingly chose only men as his apostles. Advocates of a female priesthood say Jesus was acting according to the customs of his times.

Last December, Pope Francis nevertheless acknowledged the "specific contribution of women to the understanding of the faith.”

A World Economic Forum report last year identified the Philippines as the leading nation in Asia in terms of gender equality.

According to the report, the Philippines “scores a higher ratio in the wage equality survey, improves its estimated earned income and has a larger representation of female professional and technical workers.” —KG/NB, GMA News

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