By Francesca Pollio Fenton/Catholic News Agency
Pope Francis’ prayer intention for the month of April is that the dignity and worth of women be recognized throughout the world.
“In many parts of the world, women are treated like the first thing to get rid of,” Pope Francis said in a video released April 2.
“There are countries where women are forbidden to access aid, open a business, or go to school,” he said, adding: “In these places, they are subject to laws that make them dress a certain way. And in many countries, genital mutilation is still practiced.”
He urged the world to “not deprive women of their voice. Let us not rob all these abused women of their voice. They are exploited, marginalized.”
The Holy Father pointed out that “in theory, we all agree that men and women have the same dignity as persons. But this does not play out in practice.”
“Governments need to commit to eliminate discriminatory laws everywhere and to work toward guaranteeing women’s human rights,” Francis said.
“Let us respect women. Let us respect their dignity, their basic rights. And if we don’t, our society will not progress.”
He concluded with a prayer: “Let us pray that the dignity and worth of women be recognized in every culture, and for an end to the discrimination they face in various parts of the world.”
Pope Francis’ prayer video is promoted by the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network, which raises awareness of monthly papal prayer intentions.