March 8, 2026, 1:39 p.mMarch 8, 2026, 1:39 p.m
According to Pope Leo XIV, violence against women is a sign of barbarism and must never be justified. “Violence – any form of violence – is the border that separates civilization from barbarism,” said the head of the Roman Catholic Church in an article for the magazine “Piazza San Pietro”.
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Acts of violence should never be underestimated or trivialized, said the pontiff. At the same time, Leo warned of a social climate that relativizes violence or weakens responsibility. In order to stop violence, the main focus must be on educating young people.
Churches, families, schools, parishes, movements, religious communities and state institutions should work together to develop concrete projects to prevent and end violence against women. Every person deserves respect and dignity, the Pope emphasized. Only on this basis can a common future be built.
Leo XIV also addressed the issue of violence against women during the Angelus prayer. On International Women’s Day, the Pope called on Christians to commit themselves to recognizing the equal dignity of men and women. “For us Christians, this commitment is based on the Gospel,” he said. At the same time, he complained that many women are still discriminated against – often since childhood – and suffer various forms of violence. “My solidarity and my prayers go out to you in a special way,” emphasized the Pope. (dab/sda/apa)