Pope Leo XIV called on the Peruvian people today to respect, protect, defend, and value girls and women, during a gathering with the public in Lima’s Plaza de Armas.
The Holy Father noted that recognizing human dignity requires the active promotion of women’s presence, respect, and participation, emphasizing that their contribution across all spheres of society and the Church is indispensable.
In this regard, he stated, "It is saddening to observe that a machista (sexist) mentality persists—manifested in the absence of fathers from family life, as well as in the abuse and violence directed toward women—ignoring the transformative nature of Christianity, which recognizes and proclaims that all possess equal dignity and responsibility."
He warned that women living in poverty, or those belonging to Indigenous or Afro-descendant communities, are particularly vulnerable to a "double marginalization." It is painful, he added, to acknowledge that violence against women remains a reality that wounds all of humanity.
"I wish to issue a vehement appeal—not only to my brothers and sisters in the faith, but to every man and woman of good will: Let us value women! Let us protect and respect girls!" the Supreme Pontiff emphasized.
He further noted that the Church values the richness, talents, and unique sensitivity of women—with the Virgin Mary serving as the preeminent model.
"Indeed, the Gospel reveals her as a free and strong woman, always focused on truly following Christ and supporting the mission of the Church," added Pope Leo XIV.
At another point, the Pope urged the business sector to play a genuine, leading role in building the common good.
"A business is a community of people in which capital, management, and labor must be directed toward integral human development. It is therefore necessary for legitimate authority to assist both employers and workers by establishing a fair legal framework and ensuring a reasonable balance between work, rest, and family life," he emphasized.
He further noted that a pressing contemporary challenge is the impact and risks that technology poses to the family; in this regard, he deemed it essential to forge an alliance among policymakers, educational institutions, and families to collectively address the problems that arise from this situation.
He also acknowledged the existence of families that are wounded or divided by economic hardship or emigration to another country—families harmed by the emergence of destructive behaviors, such as gambling addiction, alcoholism, drug abuse, various forms of abuse, and domestic violence.
"To these families, I say: Do not give up in the face of difficulty! Look to the example of the Holy Family; building a home was not easy for them, either," the Supreme Pontiff affirmed.
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Published: 11/12/2026