Pope Francis Announces Equal Opportunists For Women

In a book preface published by the Vatican News website on International Women’s Day, Francis stressed the differences between men and women but called for equality in diversity on a playing field open to all players.

• He also referred briefly to Women’s Day at the end of his weekly audience in St. Peters Square on Wednesday, asking the crowd for an applause for all women, because they deserve it.
• Francis has condemned discrimination against women in the past but, like his predecessors, he has ruled out a female clergy.
• The Catholic Church teaches that only men can become priests because Jesus chose men as his apostles.
• Pope Francis on Wednesday decried violence and prejudice against women and said granting equal pay and opportunities could help create a more peaceful and sustainable world.