April to June 2025 – Issue no 27 – 2025/2
thought of the Church
POPE FRANCIS
“De-masculinizing”
the Church
Man-woman reciprocity and the irreplaceable contribution of women to ecclesial and civil life have been among the guideposts of Francis’ pontificate. This text is excerpted from Pope Francis’ preface to Lucia Vantini, Luca Castiglioni and Linda Pocher’s volume: Making the Church Less Masculine? A critical evaluation of the ‘principles’ of Hans Urs von Balthasar), Ed. Paoline, Milan 2024.
spirituality of unity
CHIARA LUBICH
Reading the signs
of the times
The following are excerpts from a speech entitled, Woman Educator for Peace, given by the author on January 1, 1995, in Trent, Italy, on the World Day of Peace. She emphasized not only the gifts of women in general and that every woman is to be increasingly valued in Church life and society, but also the fundamental relationship of reciprocity between men and women, and with Jesus.
insights
MARIA CLARA LUCCHETTI BINGEMER
The Journey of Men and Women together
Maria Clara Bingemer is a graduate of the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome in systematic theology and currently teaches at the Catholic University of Rio de Janeiro (Brazil).
Since 2024 she has been a consultant to the General Secretariat of the Synod. Bingemer, also a mother of five, reflects on the historical place of women in a synodal Church.
insights
MARTA RODRIGUEZ
Towards a difference
that gives life
The author is the coordinator of the academic and research area of the Institute of Higher Studies on Women at the Pontifical University Regina Apostolorum (Rome), and serves on the editorial board of the monthly Women Church World of L’Osservatore Romano (The Roman Observer). She offers here a few reflections, fruit of recent teaching and contacts with women and men from various cultural backgrounds.
experiences
MARIA LUBRANO SCOTTO
Two ingenious beings
The author, a psychologist and expert in areas related to family and affectivity, reflects on the importance of harmonizing differences, and an awareness that each person brings his or her own irreplaceable contribution to the life of a couple and a family.
experiences
DOROTHEA GREINER
“You shall be a blessing”
The author invites us to broaden our perspective through the experience and practice of the Evangelical Church. In the years after World War II, and especially beginning in the 1960’s, a process was undertaken in some Regional Lutheran Churches that gradually paved the way for the ordination of women. For the Lutheran Church in Bavaria (Germany), it is exactly 50 years since the Regional Synod allowed woman’s ordination as pastors. The author herself was a pastor, and then a regional evangelical bishop until recently retiring.
witness
LUIGI BUTORI
Strangers at our door
Myanmar and Thailand:
Life in a border zone
In Southeast Asia, many people have a language, tradition and culture, yet lack a recognized and protected homeland. Thus they are forced into constant movement, in search of a life worthy of the name and of a peaceful, serene existence. Italian Luigi Butori has lived in Thailand for 15 years. He and others help to offer assistance to the Karen people living on the border between Thailand and Myanmar.
synodal path
THIERRY BONAVENTURA
Marked by circularity
Openness and implementation
of the Final Synodal Document
The author is the communication manager for the General Secretariat of the Synod of Bishops.
The Synod’s implementation phase emphasizes circularity, returning discernment to the People of God through the Final Document. Local churches make it accessible, foster “schools of synodality,” and adapt its recommendations contextually. Initiatives in San Diego, Lima, and worldwide highlight Spirit-led creativity, prioritizing formation, participation, and inclusion of women and youth.
Church in dialogue
HEIKE VESPER
Called
to Hope
Ecumenical Conference
“Called to Hope
– key players of dialogue”
In 2025, significant Christian anniversaries inspired the ecumenical conference Called to Hope in Castel Gandolfo. Over 250 participants from 20 Churches and 40 nations reflected on unity amid division. Through lectures, testimonies, and prayer, leaders emphasized dialogue, synodality, and lay involvement. The gathering renewed hope, highlighting unity as prophetic, urgent, and essential for Christian witness today.
Church in dialogue
MICHELE GATTA
Women of Peace
and at the Frontiers
XXIII Plenary Assembly
of the International Union
of Superiors General
At their XXIII plenary, over 900 UISG superiors general from 75 countries reflected on consecrated life as transformative hope. With themes of synodality, prophetic leadership, and service, they launched The Anna Trust for elderly sisters. The declaration highlighted consecrated women as bearers of hope, unity, and compassion at global frontiers.