Pope Francis: “A Church without women is like the college of the Apostles without Mary”

A Church without women is like the college of the Apostles without Mary. The role of women in the Church is not simply that of maternity, being mothers, but much greater: it is precisely to be the icon of the Virgin, of Our Lady; what helps make the Church grow! 

But think about it, Our Lady is more important than the Apostles! She is more important! The Church is feminine. She is Church, she is bride, she is mother.

Press conference of Pope Francis during the return flight from WYD Rio de Janeiro, July 28, 2013

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