Pope demands action on violence against women, saying it wounds all humanity

Leo condemns machismo in Peru

Speaking to people in a plaza, Pope Leo XIV denounced machismo and violence against women in Peru. He said such conduct conflicts with Christian teaching that men and women have equal dignity.

Leo called for women to be valued, protected and respected. He also pointed to the particular disadvantages faced by poor, Indigenous and Afro-Peruvian women.

Femicide figures show rising toll

Peru recorded 1,261 femicide victims between 2016 and 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics and Informatics. The number of women killed because of their gender increased by 44 per cent during those years.

Cruz said she hopes Leo’s appeal will bring women together and help men understand they are seeking support and to be heard. She said women want help, love and recognition.

Pope meets victims of abuse

Leo later spent an hour with six victims, hearing their accounts and discussing ways to change attitudes, pursue healing and build safe environments, the Vatican said. He called for truth, justice, forgiveness, making amends and stronger prevention and protection for vulnerable people.

Sodalitium case draws criticism

Outside Leo’s residence, Escardó said the Pope had not answered victims’ letters for more than a year. BishopAccountability has identified 77 priests, brothers, seminarians and consecrated laypeople in Peru publicly accused of sexually abusing minors.