“Woman […] is the path to peace”

Sr Nathalie Becquart, religieuse xavière, théologienne, est sous-secrétaire du secrétariat général du Synode des évêques au Vatican adresse un message de soutien aux jeunes engagés pour les rencontres méditerranéennes, au départ de cette troisième session qui débute à Malte le 1 avril 2025.

Reflections on women in the Mediterranean

« Chers amis,

Depuis Rome où nous vivons des jours particulièrement denses et émouvants, je viens vous saluer. Alors que le monde entier se réunit à Rome dans le recueillement et la prière pour accompagner notre cher Pape François en sa dernière demeure, lui qui repose maintenant dans la paix de Dieu, je viens de partager quelques pensées qui s’inspirent profondément de sa vision. Puisse son immense héritage continuer de nous guider.

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. 

Puissions-nous continuer à cheminer ensemble, hommes et femmes, vers une Église et une région méditerranéenne où chacun peut apporter sa contribution unique au bien commun. Bien avec vous dans cette mission, avec ma prière et ma gratitude pour tous ceux et celles qui ont porté cette rencontre à Malte et le projet MED 25 – le Bel Espoir pour contribuer à bâtir la paix en Méditerranée. »

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