During his flight back to Rome from Belgium, Pope Francis took a moment to respond to criticism regarding comments he made about women during his visit to a Catholic university.
Speaking aboard the papal plane, he directly addressed the backlash, stating that it’s an “obtuse mind” that misinterprets his position intentionally.
Reflecting on Womanhood at UCLouvain
At the Université Catholique de Louvain (UCLouvain), Pope Francis shared his views on the role of women within the Church.
He emphasized that a woman’s true essence is not defined by societal ideologies or consensus, but rather by an innate dignity written on our hearts.
He described womanhood as being characterized by a nurturing and life-giving presence, noting that women hold a higher importance than men in certain respects, particularly in their ability to embrace and cultivate life.
However, Francis warned against the desire for women to adopt traditionally male roles, stating, “It is terrible when a woman wants to be a man.”
His remarks, which highlighted the importance of embracing feminine qualities, sparked controversy, leading UCLouvain to issue a statement criticizing his position.
UCLouvain Pushes Back
Shortly after the pope’s speech, UCLouvain publicly expressed disapproval of what they perceived as outdated and reductive views on women.
The university labeled his comments as “conservative” and “deterministic,” particularly objecting to his description of womanhood as centered around “fruitful welcome and nurturing.”
UCLouvain reaffirmed its commitment to inclusivity and gender equality, calling on the Church to follow a similar path.
The university’s statement stood in stark contrast to the pope’s reflections, demanding more progressive attitudes toward women’s roles in society and within the Church.
Pope Francis Stands by His Words
When questioned about UCLouvain’s criticism during an in-flight press conference, Pope Francis defended his remarks, explaining that he consistently upholds the dignity of women.
He reiterated that the Church is symbolically feminine, as it is the “bride of Jesus,” and rejected the notion of “masculinizing” women.
He also stressed that misunderstanding his words reflects a closed-minded attitude.
Francis further expanded on his belief in the unique mysticism of women, stating that their role transcends even the priesthood, placing them at the heart of the Church’s spiritual life.
Tackling Abuse in the Church
Another significant topic during the papal press conference was the issue of abuse within the Church.
The pope was asked how the Vatican could better address the needs of victims.
Pope Francis pointed to the work of the Pontifical Commission for the Protection of Minors and expressed his personal commitment to supporting abuse victims.
He emphasized the Church’s duty to both care for the abused and hold perpetrators accountable.
The pope spoke candidly about the ongoing crisis, highlighting the psychological harm caused by abusers and the need for strict penalties to prevent future occurrences.
His remarks came at a time when the Church in Belgium, where abuse scandals have deeply shaken the community, is facing significant scrutiny.
The Impact of Abuse on the Belgian Church
The Catholic Church in Belgium has been grappling with the fallout from a series of abuse scandals.
In recent years, public trust in the Church has sharply declined, and many Belgians have distanced themselves from the faith.
A 2010 report exposed over 500 cases of abuse by clergy members, leading to calls for greater transparency and accountability within the Church.
During his visit, Pope Francis met privately with 17 abuse survivors, listening to their stories and offering his support.
He expressed shame on behalf of the Church and reiterated its commitment to addressing abuse globally.
His comments followed the laicization of former Bishop Roger Vangheluwe, who had admitted to sexually abusing his nephews, underscoring the need for stronger measures against abuse within the clergy.
Pope Francis Weighs In on Abortion
Another heated topic that arose during the flight was abortion. Addressing a question from a Belgian journalist, the pope reaffirmed his stance, labeling abortion as “homicide.”
He referenced the legacy of King Baudouin, who had abdicated his throne rather than sign a law legalizing abortion in 1990.
The pope described the king’s decision as both courageous and holy, further announcing that the process for his beatification would move forward.
Francis’ remarks on abortion sparked discussion, particularly as Belgium considers expanding its legal abortion limits.
The pope’s unequivocal stance reflects his ongoing commitment to defending the sanctity of life, though he refrained from addressing Belgium’s liberal euthanasia laws during this trip.
Final Reflections on His Visit to Belgium and Luxembourg
Wrapping up his four-day visit to Belgium and Luxembourg, Pope Francis shared his thoughts on the two countries.
He was particularly impressed by Luxembourg’s “balanced society” and high culture, despite his initial unfamiliarity with the nation.
In Belgium, his visit was marked by meetings with political leaders, royals, and clergy, as well as stops at universities celebrating their 600th anniversaries.
Throughout his trip, the pope balanced official engagements with more personal moments, such as his meeting with abuse survivors and an impromptu visit to a youth gathering.
His interactions underscored his focus on listening to those who feel disconnected from the Church and encouraging the younger generation to remain engaged in their faith.
As Pope Francis returns to Rome, the discussions sparked by his remarks on women, abuse, and abortion will undoubtedly continue, both within the Church and beyond.
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