Speaking at a conference in Rome, the Prefect of the Dicastery for Interreligous Dialogue highlights the role of women, dialogue and cultural cooperation in a world marked by conflict and divisions.
By Fr. Mark Robin Destura RCJ Women’s leadership and dialogue are essential for building bridges between cultures and societies, Cardinal George Jacob Koovakad said during a conference held on March 6 at the Chapter Room of the Cloister of the Convent of Santa Maria in Rome. The event, entitled “Women, Leadership, and Dialogue: Bridges Between Knowledge, Cultures, and Society,” gathered diplomats, political leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to reflect on the role of women in promoting peace, cooperation, and social transformation. “The ashes of a burning world” In his address, Cardinal Koovakad reflected on the spiritual meaning of the present historical moment, noting that Lent in 2026 coincides with the Muslim observance of Ramadan. The Pope had invited believers to recognize in the ashes of Ash Wednesday “the weight of a burning world,” pointing to the destruction caused by wars, the weakening of international law, environmental degradation, and the erosion of critical thinking and wisdom. Echoing the biblical question of the prophet Joel: “Where is their God? he added that conversion is a sign of hope, because it means “not stopping among the ashes, but rising up and rebuilding.” Building bridges through dialogue The Cardinal emphasized that rebuilding requires a new direction in global leadership. While modern warfare often relies on technology, artificial intelligence, and advanced weapons, peace requires what he called a deeper “disarmament of the heart, mind, and life.” It calls for leadership formed through education, cultural dialogue, and the participation of society as a whole. “For this reason,” Cardinal Koovakad noted, “leadership and dialogue promoted by this conference must involve knowledge, culture, and the active participation of the whole of society.” Women at the forefront of peace Cardinal Koovakad highlighted the particular contribution women have made in the pursuit of peace throughout history. He pointed to figures such as Saint Catherine of Siena, who mediated among powerful leaders, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who played a key role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. He also recalled Nobel Peace Prize laureate Wangari Maathai, who once said: “There comes a time when humanity is called to shift to a new level of consciousness… a time when we have to shed our fear and give hope to each other. That time is now.” “That time is now,” the Cardinal repeated, noting how many women today are actively engaged in peacebuilding initiatives across the world. Among them are the thousands of Israeli and Palestinian women involved in movements such as Women Wage Peace and Women of the Sun, working on diplomatic negotiations for the Isreali-Palestinian conflict. The characteristics of female leadership According to Cardinal Koovakad, women’s leadership often brings distinctive qualities that are particularly valuable in times of crisis. These include the courage of women “in rebuilding a collapsed bridge,” empathy toward the suffering of others, and the ability to confront complex social challenges with resilience and determination. Women, he said, often demonstrate a capacity to overcome prejudice, involve both allies and adversaries in dialogue, and promote justice, care for the environment, and the common good. Their resilience, he added, allows them to face social divisions, poverty, and the anxieties of communities while nurturing hope and wisdom. A shared responsibility for the future Reflecting on the gravity of the current global crisis, Cardinal Koovakad noted that many of yesterday’s solutions are no longer adequate. Humanity, he said, must rediscover its identity as a single human family sharing a common planet. Promoting and valuing the originality of women’s leadership is therefore not only a matter of justice but also “a guarantee for the future.” The Cardinal concluded by stressing the importance of collaboration among all people. “Building a future of peace, fraternity, and solidarity requires the commitment and synergy of all hands and all hearts,” he said. “Only together can we overcome prejudice, sow seeds of hope, and contribute to a more humane and fraternal world."