Pope addresses the need to overcome clericalism and chauvinism

Feb 07, 2025

In a significant address to the Hilton Foundation on January 22, Pope Francis highlighted the importance of overcoming deeply ingrained clerical and chauvinistic attitudes within the Church — attitudes that have too often relegated women, particularly women religious, to secondary roles. His message was clear: these mindsets, which have persisted for centuries, need to be dismantled if the Church is to fulfil its true mission of service and compassion.

The Pope’s words were not just a call for recognition, but for action. Historically, women religious — those Sisters who devote their lives to serving the poor, the sick, and the marginalised — have received far less investment in terms of formation and professional development than their male counterparts in the clergy. This inequality has been reinforced by a chauvinistic mindset that has regarded them as “second-class citizens” within the Church. Yet Pope Francis made it clear that this must change. He pointed out that since the Garden of Eden, women have held a position of strength and leadership. The time has come to restore women this rightful place, especially when it comes to leadership within the Church.

The Holy Father acknowledged the tremendous work that the Hilton Foundation is doing to support women religious — particularly in the areas of education, training, and health care. He commended the Foundation’s commitment to addressing the unique challenges that women in religious life face, including the need for ongoing formation to serve the poor and marginalised effectively. This work, he emphasised, is essential not just for the women themselves, but for the whole Church, which benefits greatly from the leadership and compassionate service these women provide.

In his address, Pope Francis made a powerful plea to move beyond the false notion that women’s roles in the Church should be confined to traditional or subordinate positions. He pointed out the urgent need for sisters to be more involved in decision-making roles at all levels — from diocesan offices to the Roman Curia. It was a critique of the Church’s longstanding practices, where women religious, despite their wealth of knowledge, experience, and dedication, have been underrepresented in key positions of authority.

Yet there is hope. Francis noted that in recent years, women have begun to make strides in leadership roles, citing examples such as a woman Prefect of the Dicastery for Religious and a woman Vice-Governor of the Vatican State. He also mentioned that women religious are now part of the group that selects bishops, and he praised their work in financial and administrative positions. These are promising signs, and Pope Francis encouraged the Church to continue embracing this progress.

He also urged the Superiors of religious orders to be more generous in releasing Sisters to take on roles outside of their Institutes, whether in diocesan offices or the Vatican, recognising the immense potential that women have to contribute at every level of the Church. The Pope’s words to the Superiors were direct: “Release them.” For too long, these women have been confined by institutional boundaries that underestimate their abilities.

Pope Francis’ message is not just about equity for women religious; it’s about the Church becoming more authentic in its mission to serve others. By overcoming the outdated and oppressive clerical and chauvinistic mentalities, the Church will be better positioned to truly embody the compassion, closeness, and tenderness that God calls us to show toward all people, particularly the poor and the excluded.

As he concluded, Pope Francis reminded everyone of the importance of these values — compassion, closeness, and tenderness — by emphasising that these are the very attributes of God. He envisioned a world where the discarded and marginalised are not only cared for but empowered to bring about much-needed change. This vision is one where women, particularly women religious, are recognised not as helpers or subordinates, but as leaders in the mission of the Church, fulfilling their calling with dignity and strength.

The Pope’s words are a powerful call to action for the Church to leave behind its past mistakes and embrace a future where women’s leadership is fully recognised and supported. Overcoming clericalism and misogyny is not just an issue of fairness; it’s a matter of justice, and it’s integral to the Church’s ability to fulfil its mission in the world. --Exaudi