An area of reform Pope Saint John Paul II called for was for a new feminist movement.
In his 1995 papal encyclical, Evangelium Vitae (The Gospel of Life), the late Holy Father penned some inspiring insights.
In this encyclical he spells out marching orders for all people (not just Catholics or Christians) to take to build “a new culture of life” (#95).
Among his many ideas, Pope Saint John Paul II calls for a “new feminist movement” to be launched, in section 99.
This Polish Pontiff taught highly in his time as a bishop and later as the Pope about the dignity of women. He held them in high regard and spoke often of the unique gifts given to them in their womanhood.
A “NEW FEMINIST MOVEMENT?” SAY WHAT?
What does he mean by this term, “new feminist movement?” Let us let him tell us, in his own words:
“In transforming culture so that it supports life, women occupy a place, in thought and action, which is unique and decisive,” Pope Saint John Paul II points out (#99).
“It depends on them to promote a ‘new feminism,’ which rejects the temptation of imitating models of ‘male domination,’ in order to acknowledge and affirm the true genius of women in every aspect of the life of society, and overcome all discrimination, violence and exploitation.”
To better understand what he meant by “the true genius of women,” read my prior article on the topic. It ties in perfectly to his call for a ‘new feminism.’
“Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person: a person who is recognized and loved because of the dignity which comes from being a person and not from other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty or health.”
If you think back in history, the radicals hijacked the feminist movement, turning it into a Sexual Revolution. What became popular was a rejection of prior societal norms of valuing domestic life, motherhood, and virtue. In their place, the radical feminists embraced sexual license, a rejection of family life, and slavery to vice.
Pope Saint John Paul II recognized the destruction the radical feminist agenda has caused in the world. In response, he calls for a “new feminism.” One that rejects the ideals of the radical feminists and embraces charity instead.
He goes on, “Making my own the words of the concluding message of the Second Vatican Council, I address to women this urgent appeal: ‘Reconcile people with life.’
“You are called to bear witness to the meaning of genuine love, of that gift of self and of that acceptance of others which are present in a special way in the relationship of husband and wife, but which ought also to be at the heart of every other interpersonal relationship.
Notice he does not limit this new feminist movement to wives and mothers only. He is calling for all women, of every walk of life, to embrace this lifestyle. That said, the vocation to motherhood does provide daily opportunity to practice this “new feminism.” Pope Saint John Paul II continues,
“The experience of motherhood makes you acutely aware of the other person and, at the same time, confers on you a particular task: ‘Motherhood involves a special communion with the mystery of life, as it develops in the woman’s womb… This unique contact with the new human being developing within her gives rise to an attitude towards human beings not only towards her own child, but every human being, which profoundly marks the woman’s personality.’”
See the gifts the pope identifies in women? How many reject this and wish to live in a way contradictory to their calling from God Himself?
MOTHERHOOD IS THE KEY TO UNLOCKING THE NEW FEMINIST MOVEMENT
Where radical feminists and the current Culture of Death despise motherhood, this pope calls for women to embrace it. But why is that?
Pope Saint John Paul II explains, “A mother welcomes and carries in herself another human being, enabling it to grow inside her, giving it room, respecting it in its otherness.
“Women first learn and then teach others that human relations are authentic if they are open to accepting the other person: a person who is recognized and loved because of the dignity which comes from being a person and not from other considerations, such as usefulness, strength, intelligence, beauty or health.”
The new feminist movement the pope from Poland calls for is one centered on acceptance of the other person. It demands respect and charity to be given to every human being, regardless of one’s health, age, or other distinguishing feature.
Modern radical feminists are so caught up in downplaying differences between people they miss the forest for the trees. Where they find any difference between human beings, they incorrectly assume inequality.
But what the late pope was calling for in this new feminist movement was something much different. He wants women to notice the dissimilarities between women and men, and from person to person.
He does this, not so one group or person can be deemed more valuable than another. Rather, he calls for this new feminist movement to practice their God-given gifts, as women and as mothers, to accept others in charity.
In other words, Pope Saint John Paul II wants all women to use their gifts of being aware of others, being empathetic, being selfless to renew the whole world. In recognizing each person’s unique characteristics, each person’s dignity is renewed—not rejected.
If only women would follow the pope’s direction. If they did, he tells us what would happen: “This is the fundamental contribution which the Church and humanity expect from women. And it is the indispensable prerequisite for an authentic cultural change.”
“Restore us to yourself, O Lord, that we may be restored!
Renew our days as of old!”
-Lamentations 5:21
(All emphasis added is my own.)
YOUR TURN
What do you make of Pope John Paul II’s call for a new feminist movement?
What are your thoughts on the feminist movement here in America and how it has devolved?
Please leave your thoughts below!
