On the Dignity and Vocation of Women by Pope John Paul II

The Catholic Church views the role of a woman through the Blessed Virgin Mary, who is the Mother of God and the Mother of all churches. Motherhood, in the view of Pope John Paul II, is a spiritual aspect of human existence.

The Virgin gave love both as a mother and as a female. She is open to God's love just like the Blessed Virgin Mary. Mulieris Dignitatem also emphasises the particularity of womanhood by referring to the female human being as the 'genius.' The aspect of intelligence, as pointed out by the Pope, is how God created woman to be open to others. To the Pontiff, womanhood is the development of humanity itself in which God integrates masculinity and femininity. He refers to this as the interpersonal communion. Pope John Paul II elaborates how the principle of mutual being between man and woman came into existence. Their inner beings are viewed from an ontological perspective. According to the Pontiff, man and woman are different only in their physical attributes. The aspect of equality is expounded on to encompass a mutual interaction that is complimentary in nature. To this end, the Pope observes that marriage is not only meant as a way to exist side by side but also to mutually live for each other. Mulieris Dignitatem widens the scope of the position occupied by women in marriage. In the letter, the Pontiff clearly demonstrates that 'the human race, which takes its origin from the calling into existence of man and woman, crowns the whole work of creation both man and woman are human beings to an equal degree, both are created in God's image.' He illustrates that man and woman are relational beings and that the two come to understand the strength they possess through a sincere gift of self.

Mulieris Dignitatem reveals how man and woman were created in the image and likeness of God. Virgin Mary is the centre of focus in this text, where she is referred to as the archetype of woman and the 'New Eve.' John Paul II cites several women who have made significant contributions to the Church and society at large. Mulieris Dignitatem explores the unique nature of women by explaining the physical and spiritual dimensions of marriage, virginity, and motherhood. Pope John Paul II's Apostolic Letter emphasises the fundamental role of woman's love and her sensitive nature that reflects her femininity to others.

On the Dignity and Vocation of Women by Pope John Paul II