JOHN PAUL II: PROMOTE THE ROLE OF WOMEN IN SOCIETY

VATICAN CITY, NOV 24, 1999 (VIS) - "Commitment to the advancement of women" was the theme of the Holy Father's catechesis during the general audience held this morning in St. Peter's Square.

The Pope recalled that the book of Genesis affirms that God created both man and woman, thus demonstrating that each is for the other. The fact "that woman is presented as 'a helper fit for him,' should not be understood in the sense that woman is the servant of man, ... rather that she can collaborate with man because she is his perfect counterpart."

John Paul II made reference to the numerous violations of the dignity of women, violations that are an offense to their liberty and femininity, such as "the exploitation of her person and her body," as well as "sexual tourism, the buying and selling of young girls, mass sterilization and, in general, any form of violence in dealings with the opposite sex."

"Today," he continued, "it is more necessary than ever to once more promote the biblical anthropology of relationships. This helps towards authentic understanding of the identity of human individuals in their relations with others, especially between man and woman."

The Pope said that God's paternity, which expresses the reciprocal nature of the Trinity, is to be found at the origin of all paternity and maternity. "The Son of God was made man when the time had fully come, and was born of the Virgin Mary. This fact also throws light on femininity, showing Mary as the model woman wished for by God."

"Consequently, reflection on the role and mission of women is well placed in this year dedicated to the Father, spurring us to a still more decisive commitment so that all the space women occupy in the Church and in Society be recognized."

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