The book Francesco e le donne (Francis and Women), published by FSP Editions, Italy, was awarded second place in the fifth edition of the prestigious Cardinal Michele Giordano Awards ceremony. Much has been written about Pope Francis but among the vast array of publications available one theme was still lacking, namely: an organic presentation of the Pope’s direct relationships with women in the light of the growing number of females taking on positions of responsibility in the contemporary world. Journalist Enzo Romeo fills this gap with his book Francis and Women, which reveals the Pope’s idea of the role of women in the Church and society through stories about his relationships with several females who made a strong impact on his life (his grandmother, younger sister, fiancée, Marxist professor, etc.)
The author writes in the book’s introduction: “Faith always springs from a personal encounter and is nourished through encounters. Francis confided that he always listens to the opinion of a woman before making important decisions because a feminine point of view completes his perception of situations and problems.” More than once, the Pope has clearly described the essential role of women in the Church: “I want you to reflect on the fact that the Church is feminine; the Church is a woman. […] A Church without women would be like the apostolic college without Mary. […] Women are asking profound questions that need to be answered. The Church cannot be what she is without woman and her role. Woman is irreplaceable to the Church.”