Reflections on women in the Mediterranean, Nathalie Becquart

Reflections on women in the Mediterranean

Dear friends,

From Rome, where we are experiencing particularly intense and moving days, I come to greet you. As the whole world gathers in Rome in recollection and prayer to accompany our dear Pope Francis to his final resting place, he who now rests in the peace of God, I come to share some thoughts that are deeply inspired by his vision. May his immense legacy continue to guide us.

Pope Francis has always paid particular attention to the Mediterranean, which he considers a crossroads of cultures and contemporary challenges. In his numerous interventions, he has emphasized that this region is both a place of encounter and tragedy, especially for migrants, many of whom are vulnerable women and children.

During the "Mediterranean Encounters" initiated in Bari, Marseille and elsewhere, Pope Francis has always insisted on the crucial role of women as peacebuilders and artisans of intercultural dialogue. He liked to point out that women bring this "capacity to bear life" and to "take care of relationships" so necessary in this region marked by tensions. I also particularly remember his words addressed to us during a meeting of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue with women from around the world of 12 different religions. because the woman gives care and life to the world: she is the path to peace».

The synodal process I have had the honor of serving reflects Pope Francis's deep conviction that the Church must listen more to the voices of women and involve them more in governance. Synodality calls for creating spaces where all voices can be heard; this is a crucial issue for the Mediterranean region, where so many women so often bear the brunt of conflict, forced migration, and persistent inequalities.

Pope Francis has consistently denounced the patriarchal structures that continue to limit the full participation of women, both in society and in the Church. In the Mediterranean, these challenges are particularly acute, but we are also seeing signs of hope emerging, with women becoming agents of change in their communities.

Our commitment, in line with Pope Francis's vision, must be to support these Mediterranean women who, despite obstacles, work daily for justice, interreligious dialogue, and peace. Their courage and resilience are living testimonies of the Gospel in action. 

May we continue to journey together, men and women, towards a Church and a Mediterranean region where each can make their unique contribution to the common good. I am with you in this mission, and I pray and thank all those who have brought this meeting to Malta and the MED 25 – Beautiful Hope project to contribute to building peace in the Mediterranean. 

Sr Nathalie Becquart, xmcj, Undersecretary of the Synod of Bishops