A world which marginalizes women is a “sterile world” because, Pope Francis said “women not only give life, but they also transmit the ability to see beyond”. “They transmit the ability to see the world with different eyes, to feel things with a more creative, patient and tender heart”. The Holy Father recited the Angelus with the faithful in St Peter's Square on 8 March. There he recognized “all women who search everyday to build a more human and welcoming society”, also underlining “the importance and need for their presence in lives”.

Addressing the faithful in the Square, the Pontiff renewed his “fraternal thanks”, especially to women “who bear witness to the Gospel in a thousand ways and work in the Church”. Previously in his address, he had recalled that the Lent is a propitious time to allow Jesus to “cleanse” our hearts with “the whip” of his mercy.

The Holy Father repeated this invitation later in the day at the Parish of Santa Maria Madre del Redentore in the neighbourhood of Tor Bella Monaca in Rome. There the Pope celebrated Mass and met various groups of the community. Denouncing “the injustice of unemployment and discrimination”, he made a stern warning against the mafia, who “exploits poor people”.

The Pope's words at the Angelus

The Pope to faithful of the Parish of Tor Bella Monaca