Vatican diplomat: The equal dignity of men and women ‘does not mean sameness’
October 08, 2026
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CWN Editor's Note: A leading Vatican diplomat said that “while women and men have equal dignity, equality does not mean sameness. In fact, equity cannot be achieved without recognizing the unique characteristics of each sex.”
Addressing a UN committee meeting on the advancement of women, Archbishop Christophe-Zakhia El-Kassis, apostolic nuncio and Permanent Observer of the Holy See to the United Nations, said on October 6 that “in this perspective, women should have equal opportunities in all spheres of life without being compelled to renounce either their family life or professional aspirations. Capacities should always be valued and never be a reason for discrimination.”
Archbishop El-Kassis added:
Equality for women cannot be achieved as long as violence against women remains widespread. The majority of trafficking victims are women and girls who experience violence, exploitation, and objectification, which violates their God-given human dignity.The above note supplements, highlights, or corrects details in the original source (link above). About CWN news coverage.
Furthermore, medical and technological advances have enabled new forms of exploitation and abuse, such as surrogacy. The Holy See reiterates its condemnation of transforming gestation into a negotiable service.
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