Pope Francis’ Theological Outlines on Women: Advances, Limits, and Possibilities

Abstract

This article seeks to highlight, through documents and speeches of Pope Francis, the theological perspective of this Pontiff regarding the place and role of women. We acknowledge advances achieved under Francis, particularly in his stances that diverge from those of his predecessors and in the appointment of women to relevant positions within the Vatican. However, we identify serious limitations in his theological reading, centered on the duality of Petrine and Marian principles as the basis for a rigid ecclesiological configuration. We then ask whether it is possible, taking Francis as a point of departure, to transfigure Christian theology, predominantly androcentric, into a liberating theology for women. By contrasting Francis’s thought with gender theories and our own theological formulations, we propose, therefore, the expansion of the ecclesiological principles defended by the Pope. Drawing on the figures of Eve, Mary of Nazareth, and Mary Magdalene, we suggest new “principles” capable of widening the space for women in Christian communities and generating a true discipleship of equals.

KEYWORDS: Pope Francis. Eve. Mary of Nazareth. Mary Magdalene. Gender.